Interview by Georgi Mitov-Gemy with Prof. Adriana Blagoeva, Conductor of the Sofia Boys’ Choir
10 May 2022
“Choral Singing Develops Qualities Essential for Life”
The Sofia Boys’ Choir is recruiting new choristers. The audition will take place on Friday, 13 May, at 6:30 p.m. in the choir’s rehearsal hall, located in the building of Chitalishte “Tsar Boris III – 1928” at 29 Klokotnitsa Street (entrance from Krustets Street).
Applicants should be between 7 and 9 years of age.
“They should prepare in advance two songs of their own choice – school, folk, or popular songs – to be performed without accompaniment,” specified Prof. Adriana Blagoeva on Classic FM Radio.
The long-time conductor of the ensemble emphasised that “this is a choir consisting exclusively of boys. When they are among peers of the same age, they feel much more at ease, and any initial stage fright quickly disappears.”
Rehearsals are held twice a week, and for the older choristers – three times a week.
According to Prof. Blagoeva, “Choral singing is an ensemble art. It provides the opportunity to work collectively. It develops qualities that are valuable in life. Choral singing requires self-discipline; it is an activity that cultivates many personal traits – the ability to cooperate within a team, collegiality, and tolerance. It educates young people in many directions.”
She added: “We do not limit the children from engaging in sports or other activities. In my opinion, it is good for them to try adding choir singing as well.”
Prof. Blagoeva also noted that “concert performances teach responsibility and commitment to achieving a good artistic result — a significant accomplishment for a young child.”
Prof. Adriana Blagoeva presented the choir’s new compact disc, entitled “Opera Choruses.” This thirteenth album marks a new and distinctive addition to the ensemble’s diverse discography. It features excerpts from 15 operatic works by German, Italian, French, Czech, and Russian composers, as well as two excerpts from operettas by Bulgarian composers. The recordings were made in two sessions — in 2000 and 2011.
The mission of every conductor remains the same – to draw children into the world of music, to nurture in them a sense for beauty and true values through their encounter with the demanding yet deeply inspiring art of choral singing.
Listen to the interview by Georgi Mitov-Gemy with Prof. Adriana Blagoeva in the audio file below:
Source: classicfm.bg
