An Interview with Prof. PhD. Adriana Blagoeva on the Occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Sofia Boys’ Choir
– Could you tell us what you have chosen to present to the audience, how you plan to surprise and engage them?
I am truly delighted that we can invite our listeners to this festive concert, held in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Sofia Boys’ Choir. The event is part of the International Music Festival Sofia Music Weeks and bears the title Viva la Musica. This title reflects the repertoire’s orientation: our program showcases a diverse range of music, all of which is emblematic of our choir’s tradition.
I believe that the concert program is both engaging and varied, in character and in style. I also hope that the participation of some of our former choristers, who are now professional musicians—vocalists and instrumentalists—will add an extra dimension of interest. The combination of the current choir and these alumni promises to be both captivating and emotionally compelling.
In addition, there is a remarkable initiative by the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) in collaboration with the Sofia Boys’ Choir to release a commemorative CD for this jubilee. The disc will feature recordings from the BNR archives of works dedicated to the choir, written specifically for us, or in which our ensemble gave the premiere performance. I am eagerly anticipating having this CD ready in time for the concert evenings.
– Nearly thirty years ago, you took over the leadership of the Sofia Boys’ Choir. Do you recall your first rehearsals, the advice given by the founder, and whether the beginning was challenging?
The greatest challenge when assuming leadership of an established ensemble is the transition from one conductor to another, especially with young children who are accustomed to the previous director. Ms. Leona Todorova, the choir’s founder, was a deeply beloved leader, and I had the privilege of working with her for one academic year. This allowed me to observe her methodology closely and to internalize many of the principles she applied in rehearsal.
What struck me most was the boys’ extraordinary love of singing. There is a common misconception that singing is “for girls” and that boys are generally disinterested, but I discovered that their enthusiasm for music and singing was so genuine and infectious that it made devoting one’s efforts and expertise to nurturing their talent immensely rewarding.
– How do you inspire young choristers to engage with this art, even if they may not pursue music professionally?
The primary aim of our choir is not to produce professional musicians. Rather, that is a natural byproduct of our work. The element that draws children most powerfully into the choir is their love of singing. Parents also play a vital role, offering guidance and encouragement that helps children appreciate the value of this activity and supports their overall personal and artistic development.
– The Sofia Boys’ Choir has won numerous awards, and you were recently honored with the prestigious Golden Century award from the Ministry of Culture. Having achieved so much, what remains on your horizon?
There is always something more to aspire to. While one works, plans continue to emerge, and one hopes to bring them to fruition. My foremost desire is to sustain the engagement with the choir’s work, enabling the boys to discover and believe in their musical potential, to enrich themselves, and to experience opportunities they might not encounter elsewhere. My goal is to preserve this ensemble, which is remarkable not only from the perspective of the singers but also in its repertoire potential.
– You lead not only the main choir but also three concert formations: boys’, youth, and mixed ensembles. When and why was the youth formation created?
The concert choir consists of a select group of singers from the broader ensemble. In 1997, the youth formation was established as a continuation of our choristers’ work, comprising only former members who wished to continue singing. This formation is invaluable—it performs both independently and alongside the boys in mixed ensembles, offering extensive repertoire possibilities. The primary motivation for creating this formation was the strong desire of many alumni to continue singing.
– After the 21 June concert, what lies ahead? Will there be a summer break, or will preparations for new performances begin immediately?
We have one further engagement on 30 June, after which the choir will enter its summer recess.
– A final invitation to our readers?
Join us on 21 June at 19:00 in Hall “Bulgaria” for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Sofia Boys’ Choir, conducted by Prof. PhD. Adriana Blagoeva. Witness this extraordinary ensemble and celebrate its enduring contribution to Bulgarian culture and music.
