A workshop and concert from

led by Dessislava Stefanova

Returning to Bristol after their sell out performance in 2020, London Bulgarian Choir will be performing a show specially crafted in collaboration with unique British-Bulgarian storytelling company, A Spell In Time, to celebrate the arrival of Spring. Weaving Bulgarian songs, storytelling and costumes into their mesmerising and entrancing show, London Bulgarian Choir will lead us into an ancient folklore tradition, largely unknown in the West.

Prior to the concert Dessi will teach a workshop of Bulgarian singing.

What is Bulgarian polyphony? 
Bulgarian polyphony is an ancient, complex, unique and powerfully evocative, Unesco listed singing tradition that is typified by strong female voices, dissonant harmonies and complex rhythms.

Under the charismatic leadership of the world renowned Dessilslava Stefanova, the London Bulgarian Choir has gathered a wide following, being named on BBC Radio 4 as one of Joan Armatrading's favourite choirs, winning BBC Radio 3 Open Choir of the Year in 2006, and performing at numerous prestigious venues, including Westminster Abbey.

Don't miss this chance to hear this inspiring music for yourself, and to learn from an acclaimed master of the tradition.
londonbulgarianchoir.bandcamp.com/album/alyana-galyana

For more details of the workshop, and for updates, see the FB event page:
www.facebook.com/events/1668794950203560

Booking info
Workshop: 3-5pm
Concert: 7.30-9.30pm (doors open at 7pm)

Workshop and concert: £35/£28
Workshop only: £25/£20
Concert only: £15/£10

NOTE: The workshop is now SOLD OUT, but tickets are still available for the concert.

If you've missed out on the workshop, but would like to learn with Dessi another time, email us to add your name to the our mailing list, to hear of future workshops hosted by Pitchblend.

Concessions:
For those receiving benefits for: low income, unemployment, DLA, PIP or pension credit. 
Registered foster carers and children from ages 10-16.
Children aged 10 or under may attend free with a supervising adult.
Please bring proof of entitlement to event.

"If you get the chance to see them live, do go.
Dessislava introduces you and she's such a wonderful raconteur between the songs,
drawing you in to the remarkable stories of these folk songs."
Cerys Matthews, singer and presenter

"Simultaneously haunting and hearty, eerie yet emphatic, and utterly bewitching."
Independent on Sunday

"The Bulgarians made already fine songs even better, transforming the good to
the great, the earthbound to celestial."
The Evening Standard

"The choir does not aspire to being a simple carbon copy of a Bulgarian original,
but has instead forged its own sound."
Songlines magazine

"The music they produce is difficult and complex – [the choir] achieves an
excellence that is breathtaking."
Roderick Williams, singer and presenter

"It’s also beautifully made, with the masterstroke of a haunting, atmospheric
soundtrack specially composed and performed by the London Bulgarian Choir."
The Telegraph

"The London Bulgarian Choir are superb."
The Stage

"A guaranteed stunning aural delight"
TimeOut

"This was a magical performance from start to finish: technical, dynamic and
moving."
Howard Goodall, composer

"A shimmering vision of purest sound and beauty, of the strength of a kickass
musical tradition... Listen and have your spirit kindled, your soul revived and your
ears rejuvenated."
Max Reinhardt, radio presenter