Slanchev bryag Folk Ensemble, Nesebar

The representative folk ensemble Slanchev bryag was created March 6th 1967. The main purpose of this ensemble has been to increase the popularity of Bulgarian Folk music and dancing, rituals and traditions. Thus its task has been since to study original, authentic folklore and by using the means of the stage to spread out its influence both at home and abroad. During its 25 years uninterrupted creativity the ensemble have staged more than 10000 concerts, folk programs and taken part in all sorts of shows both on local stage and overseas. The programs are usually for international audiences. In Bulgaria ensemble put on its performances for the thousands of foreign guests coming to Slanchev bryag and the picturesque little town of Nessebar nearby in summer. While in winter the artists often take their folklore art across to foreign stages. This ensemble while visiting a number of countries have performed for different people with different cultures and have always returned to Bulgaria gaining new popularity and many new friends. Its temperamental music and dancing have taken the artists to Germany once, England twice, Scotland three times, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, Austria, France, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Greece, USA and Canada. And in all these places their success has been accompanied by great publicity, clearly reflected in the local media.

The repertoire of the ensemble has permanently embodied samples of Bulgarian folk dancing from all ethnographic regions of the country, as well as sublime achievements of national choreographic art.

First art director of ensemble “ Slanchev bryag” is Boris Kapitanski, later the directors are: Vassil Naydenov, Nicola Nanov and Vesselin Petrov. During its most successful years the ensemble is lead by Valko Liubenov – choreographer and pedagogue. Under its direction the artists increase their professionalism.

From February 2004 Director and choreographer of ensemble “Slanchev bryag” is Mr. Danislav Kehayov – a folk singer of Thracian songs and an event in the art activity of the ensemble. In 1983 Danislav became its soloist and when he finished its education began to work in the pedagogic field. Danislav won a competition February 2004 and he is now the Director of Municipal dance and art school and artistic director of ensemble “Slanchev bryag”.

The orchestra of ensemble is made up of young folk musicians, who have had their education in special music schools in Bulgaria. The traditional instruments they are playing are called: kaval, bagpipe, gadulka, tambura, mandolin as well as some ethnic percussion. Inextricably the artistic impact is magnified by the music spell of those wonderful Bulgarian voices. The solo singers of the ensemble have always ranked high on the national country scene. Their names are: Yanka Rupkina, Komnia Stoyanova, Valkana Stoyanova and Georgi Chilingirov etc. The best of their repertoire has been compiled in January 1992 in the album called “Constellation Slanchev bryag”

Another essential trait of the ensemble’s performances is that for all the different numbers in the show they are making use of special costumes and accessories. A national committee including artists and ethnographic experts examine the authenticity and proper use of these costumes. Besides its mainstream concert activities, the ensemble is trying to extend its expertise in other direction too.

Thus they improvise with foreign guests and tourists in Slanchev bryag and Nessebar in an international folk school that they have specially set up for those wishing to get intimately acquainted with local tradition embodied in music and dancing. Sometimes even while touring abroad they menage to run short seminars and courses.

The representative folk ensemble “Slanchev bryag” is a member of CIOFF – UNESCO and CID – UNESCO.

For contact:

P.O. Box 29
8230 Nessebar
BULGARIA

fax: 359 5544 5701
phone: 359 5544 5702, 359 5544 5703
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web: www.nesebar-folk.com
 
Danislav Kehayov - Director
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