The National Folklore Ensemble Philip Koutev started the celebrations on the occasion of its 70^th anniversary with three concerts held in three consecutive evenings. Initially, the events were scheduled for 2021, but were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. The whole team was extremely motivated during the preparations of the concerts, said Georgi Andreev, Director and Principal Conductor of the National Folklore Ensemble Philip Koutev.

“We presented three entirely different programmes. Hall No 1 of the National Palace of Culture was literally packed with people during the three concerts. The concert performances were spectacular which befits our anniversary. Our first concert was named “The beginning”. It focused on emblematic pieces of the repertoire created by the orchestra’s founder Philip Koutev, choreographer Margarita Dikova, composers Mihail Yordanov, Krasimir Kyurkchiysky, etc. The second concert programme was named “The Road”, because Bulgaria’s folklore ensembles and choirs made their first steps with the establishment of our ensemble in 1951. We are grateful to the National Folk Ensemble Pirin and State Folklore Ensemble Trakia who performed with us at the second concert programme. The National Folklore Ensemble Philip Koutev presented three premiere dances created by our choreographer Ivaylo Ivanov. The third concert named “The Heritage” was the most interesting one. Students from the National School of Folklore Art in Shiroka Laka, the National School of Folk Arts in Kotel and the National School of Dance Art in Sofia participated at this concert. They are the next generation talented artists who will dedicate their lives, time and skills to art, connected with Bulgaria’s cultural traditions. ”

Six-year-old talented bagpipe player Stefan Ivanov was among the most attractive musicians during the third performance. Petya Paneva who is the winner of the Voice of Bulgaria 2021 music contest also participated at the concerts.

“I would like to note that “Quatro Quartet” also appeared on the stage as special guest artists- conductor Georgi Andreev went on to say.

These three concerts marked the beginning of our national tour in nine Bulgarian towns – Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Shumen, etc. We are planning to end our tour with a big concert in Hall No 1 at the National Palace of Culture in the beginning of December.”

English version: Kostadin Atanasov