Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

“The Rhythm of the Balkans” – a project by the BNR’s Folk Music Orchestra offering a unique blend of traditions

Photo: BNR Folk Music Orchestra

Tamburitsa from Serbia, tsymbaly from Romania, lyra from Crete and bagpipe from Bulgaria – these are the instruments audiences will be able to hear in the 10th edition of what has proved to be the most successful project of the Bulgarian National Radio’s Folk Music Orchestra – “The Rhythm of the Balkans”.
Dimitar Hristov

The musicians, with conductor Dimitar Hristov, will be performing at 7 PM on Thursday, 10 April, in Studio No. 1 of the Bulgarian National Radio.

Over the years, “The Rhythm of the Balkans” has proved to be a unique blend of the tradition, the rhythms and the emotions of Balkan music. This latest edition of the project will present four magnificent musicians: The Serbian tamburitsa virtuoso Branko Bako Jovanović, the Romanian tsymbaly master Anatol Kazanoy, the gentle voice of the Crete lyra, played by Kelly Thoma and the exciting sound of the Bulgarian bagpipes in the hands of Petyo Kostadinov, all of them splendid musicians with remarkable international careers, true ambassadors of traditional Balkan music around the world.
Petyo Kostadinov, Branko Bako Jovanović, Anatol Kazanoy and Kelly Thoma

“The Rhythm of the Balkans” is more than a series of concerts, it is a comprehensive project which has, through the years, evolved into a major music event in the country. Every year, it demonstrates that the Balkans can band together in music, because music throws bridges among nations.

Compiled by Elena Karkalanova
Translated and posted by Milena Daynova
Photos: Ani Petrova, Facebook /BNR Folk Music Orchestra (photographer: Stephan Talneau)



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Kristian Kostov starts a new chapter with his song "Az Sum Ti"

Although young, Kristian Kostov is already an established performer and songwriter. He made a strong impression during the fourth season of X Factor Bulgaria, reached the grand final, and won a large audience. He then represented Bulgaria at..

published on 3/26/25 6:10 AM

Matilda the Musical based on Roald Dahl's best-seller to be presented in Bulgaria for the first time

One of the undisputed Broadway hits of the last decade - "Matilda" by Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly, based on the famous children's novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, will be staged for the first time in Bulgaria on the stage of the..

published on 3/25/25 3:39 PM

In "Pladney", JazzBoree once again drinks water from the well of Bulgarian folklore

Tradition and modernity intertwine in the songs of the musicians from the ethno jazz formation JazzBoree. This is also the case in their latest song, "Pladney", inspired by our folk stories of love. Singer Savina Plamenova authored the music and lyrics..

published on 3/22/25 9:10 AM