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{{Short description|Bulgarian vocal folklore ensemble}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
'''Bulgarka Junior Quartet ''' is a Bulgarian vocal folklore ensemble.
'''Bulgarka Junior Quartet ''' is a Bulgarian vocal folklore ensemble.


== Biography ==
== Biography ==
<div>Bulgarka Junior Quartet was formed in 1989 in [[Plovdiv]] ([[Bulgaria]]), as the initiator for the formation of the group is Rumyana Tsintsarska (Folklore Music Editor in Bulgarian National Radio Folk Music who managed the successful performance of [[Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares]] ensemble (translated as "The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices") in collaboration with [[Marcel Cellier]]).'''
Bulgarka Junior Quartet was formed in 1989 in [[Plovdiv]] ([[Bulgaria]]), as the initiator for the formation of the group is Rumyana Tsintsarska (Folklore Music Editor in Bulgarian National Radio Folk Music who managed the successful performance of [[Bulgarian State Television Female Vocal Choir|Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares]] ensemble (translated as "The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices") in collaboration with [[Marcel Cellier]]).


[[File:Bgjun1.jpg|thumb|Bulgarka_Junior_1|mini|right|Bulgarka Junior Quartet singing together]]
[[File:Bgjun1.jpg|thumb|right|Bulgarka Junior Quartet singing together]]
[[File:Bgjun2.jpg|thumb|Bulgarka_Junior_2|mini|right|Bulgarka Junior Quartet]]
[[File:Bgjun2.jpg|thumb|right|Bulgarka Junior Quartet in 2011]]
The concept behind the name of the formation - Bulgarka Junior Quartet comes from [[Latin]] word "junior" - "young" in [[English language|English]], which was selected coincidentally, as a sign of continuity between generations folk singers - in 1989, when [[Trio Bulgarka]] ensemble are at the zenith of their fame and have realized joint projects with musicians such as George Harrison and Kate Bush.


<div>The concept behind the name of the formation - Bulgarka Junior Quartet comes form Latin word "junior" - “young” in English, which was selected coincidentally, as a sign of continuity between generations folk singers - in 1989, Trio Bulgarka ensemble are at the zenith of their fame and have realized joint projects with musicians such as George Harrison and Kate Bush. </div><div>The repertoire of the ensemble covers both traditional folk songs and rearranged folklore music by some of the greatest contemporary composers and interpreters of Bulgarian folk rhythms as Ivan Spassov, Krasimir Kyurkchiyski, Theodosi Spassov, Stefan Mutafchiev, Nikolai Kaufman, Dimitar Trifonov and others.<br>
The repertoire of the ensemble covers both traditional Bulgarian folk songs and rearranged Bulgarian folklore music by some of the most notable contemporary composers and interpreters of Bulgarian folk rhythms as Ivan Spassov, Krasimir Kyurkchiyski, [[Theodosii Spassov]], Stefan Mutafchiev, Nikolai Kaufman, Dimitar Trifonov and others.
</div><div><span class="cx-segment" data-segmentid="23"><br>
</span></div>


The initial ensemble of the quartet include singers Christina Anastasova, Fanka Koynarova, Vichka Nikolova and Tonka Koleva who were members of Trakia Ensemble at the time. As vocalists at Trakia Ensemble the four folk singers were among the first Bulgarian artists who sang on the stage of Olympia Hall in Paris, France. <div>The first album of the quartet was recorded in 1989 and was issued by Mega Music. The promotion of the album started at [[MIDEM]] Festival in [[Cannes]], France.<br>
The initial ensemble of the quartet include singers Christina Anastasova, Fanka Koynarova, Vichka Nikolova and Tonka Koleva who were members of Trakia Ensemble at the time. As vocalists at Trakia Ensemble the four folk singers were among the first Bulgarian artists who sang on the stage of [[Olympia Hall]] in [[Paris]], France.
</div>


The first album of the quartet was recorded in 1989 and was released by Mega Music Label. The promotion of the album started at [[MIDEM]] Festival in [[Cannes]], France.
⚫
Between 1989 and 1993 Bulgarka Junior Quartet had several concert tours in Finland, Israel, France and participated in the Wagner Days (Festspiele). The concert of the ensemble took place in famous Bayreuth Festspielhaus.

⚫
Between 1989 and 1993 Bulgarka Junior Quartet had several concert tours in Finland, Israel, France and participated in the famous Wagner Days (Festspiele). The concert of the ensemble took place in famous [[Bayreuth Festspielhaus]].


At the end of 1993 Vichka Nikolova left the ensemble in pursuit of a solo career.
At the end of 1993 Vichka Nikolova left the ensemble in pursuit of a solo career.


As of 2015, Bulgarka Junior Quartet members are:
As of 1994, Bulgarka Junior Quartet members are:
* Christina Anastasova (first soprano) raised and educated in Strandzha folklore tradition. She graduated with honors Music School "Philip Koutev" Kotel, Bulgaria and the Academy of Music and Dance in Plovdiv and in 1997 she released her first solo album "Living With Strandzhas' Songs"
* Christina Anastasova (first soprano) raised and educated in Strandzha folklore tradition. Anastasova graduated with honors Music School "[[Philip Koutev]]" Kotel, Bulgaria and the Academy of Music and Dance in Plovdiv and in 1997 she released her first solo album "Living With Strandzhas' Songs"
⚫
* Fanka Koynarova (second soprano) who as a child was a part of a youth ensemble in Smolyan, Bulgaria and graduated Music School Shiroka Laka, Bulgaria and Academy of Music and Dance in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. In 1998 Koynarova released a joint album with Mladen Koynarov, and year before that, in 1997 she debuted as solo artist with the project called "A Rhodopa Song".

⚫
* Elena Bedeleva (first alto) graduated with honors Music School "Philip Koutev" Kotel, Bulgaria and Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
⚫
* Fanka Koynarova (second soprano) who as a child was a part of a youth ensemble in Smolyan, Bulgaria and graduated School of Music Shiroka Laka, Bulgaria and Academy of Music and Dance in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. In 1998 she released a joint album with Mladen Koynarov, and in 1997 she debuted as solo artists with the project called "A Rhodopa Song".
⚫
* Tonka Koleva (contra alto) began singing appearances since childhood as a vocalist of the Children's Folklore Ensemble Haskovo and graduated with honors Music School "Philip Koutev" Kotel, Bulgaria and и Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts Plovdiv, Bulgaria. In 1994 she released her first solo album "Walnut Leaf".

⚫
Each of Bulgarka Junior Quartet members come from different Bulgarian folklore region with specific and rich vocal heritage and each one of them was brought with folklore singing as a family tradition and then started professional careers as musicians by own choice. All this, and the fact that they are musically educated contribute to their professional growth through long years of artistic career.<ref>[http://www.jeunessesmusicales.be/Bulgarka-Junior-Quartet?lang=fr jeunessesmusicales.be Bulgarka Junior Quartet (Voix bulgares au folklore traditionnel et moderne)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402144727/http://www.jeunessesmusicales.be/Bulgarka-Junior-Quartet?lang=fr |date=April 2, 2015 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.music-city.org/Bulgarka-J-Quartet/biography/ music-city.org Bulgarka J Quartet biography] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211215/http://www.music-city.org/Bulgarka-J-Quartet/biography/ |date=2016-03-03 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jeunessesmusicales.be/IMG/pdf/DPBulgarka-1.pdf |title=Dossier pédagogique Jeunesses Musicales de la Communauté française de Belgique Bulgarka Voix bulgares au folklore traditionnel et moderne Bulgarie |access-date=27 July 2015 |archive-date=5 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505220424/http://www.jeunessesmusicales.be/IMG/pdf/DPBulgarka-1.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
⚫
* Elena Bedeleva (first alto) graduated with honors Music School "Philip Koutev" Kotel, Bulgaria and и Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

⚫
* Tonka Koleva (contra alto) began singing appearances since childhood as a vocalist of the Children's Folklore Ensemble Haskovo and graduated with honors Music School "Philip Koutev" Kotel, Bulgaria and и Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts Plovdiv, Bulgaria.In 1994 she released her first solo album "Walnut Leaf".
⚫
Each of Bulgarka Junior Quartet members come from different Bulgarian folklore region with specific and rich vocal heritage and each one of them was brought with folklore singing as a family tradition and then started professional careers as musicians by own choice. All this, and the fact that they are musically educated contribute to their professional growth through long years of artistic career.<ref>[http://www.jeunessesmusicales.be/Bulgarka-Junior-Quartet?lang=fr jeunessesmusicales.be Bulgarka Junior Quartet (Voix bulgares au folklore traditionnel et moderne)]</ref><ref>[http://www.music-city.org/Bulgarka-J-Quartet/biography/ music-city.org Bulgarka J Quartet biography]</ref><ref>[http://www.jeunessesmusicales.be/IMG/pdf/DPBulgarka-1.pdf Dossier pédagogique Jeunesses Musicales de la Communauté française de Belgique Bulgarka Voix bulgares au folklore traditionnel et moderne Bulgarie]</ref>


== Tours ==
== Tours ==


The first concerts of Bulgarka Junior Quartet took place in MIDEM Festival in Cannes, France. This is the first introduction of the ensemble to the world music scene. The quartet toured in France, [[Finland]], [[Germany]], [[Israel]], [[Morocco]], [[Belgium]], [[Italy]], [[Spain]] and [[England]].
The first concerts of Bulgarka Junior Quartet took place during the MIDEM Festival in Cannes, France. This is the first introduction of the ensemble to the world music scene. The quartet toured in France, [[Finland]], [[Germany]], [[Israel]], [[Morocco]], [[Belgium]], [[Italy]], [[Spain]] and [[England]].


The quartet's repertoire is diverse in genre and style-wise. Bulgarka Junior Quartet's discography includes collaborations with [[Kepa Junkera]], [[Juan Peña Fernández]] [[El Lebrijano]], [[Sabin Todorov]], [[A Filetta]], Bolyari Ensemble, [[Nikolay Kaufmann]] and [[Bruno Kule]].<ref>https://myspace.com/bulgarkajuniorquartet</ref>
The quartet's repertoire is diverse in genre and style-wise. Bulgarka Junior Quartet's discography includes collaborations with [[Kepa Junkera]], [[Juan Peña Fernández]] [[El Lebrijano]], [[Sabin Todorov]], [[A Filetta]], Bolyari Ensemble, [[Nikolay Kaufmann]] and [[Bruno Kule]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://myspace.com/bulgarkajuniorquartet|title = Bulgarka Junior Quartet &#124; Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos}}</ref>


In 1998 the group took part in the Sfinks Festival, Belgium, where they shared a stage with names like [[Susana Baca]] and [[Jorge Ben Jor]].
In 1998 the group took part in the Sfinks Festival, Belgium, where they shared a stage with names like [[Susana Baca]] and [[Jorge Ben Jor]].


Quartet was invited to accompany the fashion review of the designer [[Hussein Chalayan]] that took place during the [[Fashion Week]] in [[London]] in 1999 where the young designer won for the second time the award Best Designer of the Year Award.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsNLsnnAY8Q Hussein Chalayan Autumn Winter 2000 Review]</ref><ref>Quin, Bradley. "A note: Hussein Chalayan, Fashion and Technology". Fashion Theory, volume 6, Issue 4, pp. 359-368, Berg, United Kingdom.</ref>
Quartet was invited to play a musical accompaniment for the fashion review of [[British people|British]]/[[Turkish people|Turkish]] [[Cyprus|Cypriot]] fashion designer [[Hussein Chalayan]] that took place during the [[London Fashion Week]] in 1999 where Chalayan won for the second time Best Designer of the Year Award.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsNLsnnAY8Q Hussein Chalayan Autumn Winter 2000 Review]</ref><ref>Quin, Bradley. "A note: Hussein Chalayan, Fashion and Technology". Fashion Theory, volume 6, Issue 4, pp. 359-368, Berg, United Kingdom.</ref>


In the summer of 2009 Bulgarian Junior Quartet were invited to participate in prestigious concerts by performances in three cycles aimed to revive the architectural and historic Old Town of Plovdiv as a national music scene for high arts. The first cycle in which the quartet participated was called "Unique Voices of Bulgaria". Tonka Koleva, Fanka Koynarova, Elena Bedeleva and Christina Atanasova enchanted audience with its rich folklore program, including a cappella chants and folk songs to the accompaniment of flute and percussion.<ref>http://www.snews.bg/65289.html</ref>
In the summer of 2009 Bulgarian Junior Quartet were invited to participate in "Unique Voices of Bulgaria" concert that aimed to revive the architectural and historic Old Town of Plovdiv as a national music scene for high arts. Tonka Koleva, Fanka Koynarova, Elena Bedeleva and Christina Atanasova enchanted audience with its rich folklore program, including acappella chants and folk songs to the accompaniment of flute and percussion.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.snews.bg/65289.html |title="Българка джуниър" в "Конюшните на царя" |access-date=28 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924103020/http://www.snews.bg/65289.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In the month of June 2011 the quartet participated in [[Tampere Festival]], Finland. The concert of the quartet was a collaboration with Sabin Todorov, and the event took place in in the Old Customs House Hall.<ref>[http://www.igloorecords.be/articles/en/sabin-todorov-trio-bulgarka-junior-quartet-tampere-festival/ igloorecords.be Sabin Todorov Trio + Steve Houben + Bulgarka Junior Quartet @ Tampere Festival / 9th june 2011]</ref>
In the month of June 2011 the quartet participated in [[Tampere Festival]], Finland. The concert of the quartet was a collaboration with Sabin Todorov, and the event took place in the Old Customs House Hall.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.igloorecords.be/articles/en/sabin-todorov-trio-bulgarka-junior-quartet-tampere-festival/ |title=igloorecords.be Sabin Todorov Trio + Steve Houben + Bulgarka Junior Quartet @ Tampere Festival / 9 June 2011 |access-date=28 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924033228/http://www.igloorecords.be/articles/en/sabin-todorov-trio-bulgarka-junior-quartet-tampere-festival/ |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


== Discography ==
== Discography ==

*1989 "Bulgarian Folklore" (Label:Mega Music)<ref>[http://www.allmusic.com/album/traditional-bulgarian-folk-songs-mw0000234314 allmusic.com Bulgarka Junior Quartet Traditional Bulgarian Folk Songs]</ref>
*1989 "Bulgarian Folklore" (Label:Mega Music)<ref>[http://www.allmusic.com/album/traditional-bulgarian-folk-songs-mw0000234314 allmusic.com Bulgarka Junior Quartet Traditional Bulgarian Folk Songs]</ref>
*1994 "PALESTRINA missa primi toni" (Label:Erato Disques/DETOUR)<ref>[http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1224127/a/palestrina%3A+missa+primi+toni+%2F+lantos,+ensemble+bulgarka+jr..htm cduniverse.com Palestrina: Missa Primi Toni / Lantos, Ensemble Bulgarka Jr.]</ref>
*1994 "PALESTRINA missa primi toni" (Label:Erato Disques/DETOUR)<ref>[http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1224127/a/palestrina%3A+missa+primi+toni+%2F+lantos,+ensemble+bulgarka+jr..htm cduniverse.com Palestrina: Missa Primi Toni / Lantos, Ensemble Bulgarka Jr.]</ref>
*1995 "Legend of Bulgarian Voices" (Label:Arc Music)<ref>[http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1060086/a/legend+of+bulgarian+voices.htm Bulgarka Junior Quartet - Legend of Bulgarian Voices]</ref>
*1995 "Legend of Bulgarian Voices" (Label:Arc Music)<ref>[http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1060086/a/legend+of+bulgarian+voices.htm Bulgarka Junior Quartet - Legend of Bulgarian Voices]</ref>
*1996 "The Magic Voices of Bulgaria" (Label:Sounds Of The World)<ref>[http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-magic-voices-of-bulgaria-mw0000334841 Bulgarka Junior Quartet "The Magic Voices of Bulgaria"]</ref>
*1996 "The Magic Voices of Bulgaria" (Label:Sounds Of The World)<ref>[http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-magic-voices-of-bulgaria-mw0000334841 Bulgarka Junior Quartet "The Magic Voices of Bulgaria"]</ref>
*1997 "Traditional Bulgarian Folk Songs" (Label:Studio SM)<ref>[http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1463593/a/traditional+bulgarian+folk+songs.htm cduniverse.com Bulgarka Junior Quartet - Traditional Bulgarian Folk ]</ref>
*1997 "Traditional Bulgarian Folk Songs" (Label:Studio SM)<ref>[http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1463593/a/traditional+bulgarian+folk+songs.htm cduniverse.com Bulgarka Junior Quartet - Traditional Bulgarian Folk]</ref>
*2010 Inside Story 2 (feat. Bulgarka Junior Quartet) Sabin Todorov Trio, Sal La Rocca & Lionel Beuvens(Label:Sowarex)<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/inside-story-2-feat.-bulgarka/id596763664 itunes.apple.com Inside Story 2 (feat. Bulgarka Junior Quartet) Sabin Todorov Trio, Sal La Rocca & Lionel Beuvens]</ref>
*2010 Inside Story 2 (feat. Bulgarka Junior Quartet) Sabin Todorov Trio, Sal La Rocca & Lionel Beuvens(Label:Sowarex)<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/inside-story-2-feat.-bulgarka/id596763664 itunes.apple.com Inside Story 2 (feat. Bulgarka Junior Quartet) Sabin Todorov Trio, Sal La Rocca & Lionel Beuvens]</ref>
*2011 Folk Series: Bulgarka Junior Quartet & Bulgarian National Radio Folk Orchestra (Label:BNR)<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bulgarka-junior-quartet/id498798706 itunes.apple.com Bulgarka Junior Quartet Bulgarka Junior Quartet & Bulgarian National Radio Folk Orchestra]</ref>
*2011 Folk Series: Bulgarka Junior Quartet & Bulgarian National Radio Folk Orchestra (Label:BNR)<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bulgarka-junior-quartet/id498798706 itunes.apple.com Bulgarka Junior Quartet Bulgarka Junior Quartet & Bulgarian National Radio Folk Orchestra] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402215728/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bulgarka-junior-quartet/id498798706 |date=April 2, 2015 }}</ref>


=== Collaborations ===
=== Collaborations ===
*1999 Various Artists "El Lebrijanо: Lagrimas De Cera" (Label:Parlophone)<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/lagrimas-de-cera/id696933913 itunes.apple.com Lagrimas De Cera Various Artists]</ref>
*1999 Various Artists "El Lebrijanо: Lagrimas De Cera" (Label:Parlophone)<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/lagrimas-de-cera/id696933913 itunes.apple.com Lagrimas De Cera Various Artists]</ref>
*1999 Kepa Hunkera "Bilbao 00:00h" (Label:Alula Records)<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Bilbao-00-00h-Kepa-Junkera/dp/B00001ZT11 amazon.com Kepa-Junkera Bilbao-00-00h]</ref>
*1999 Kepa Hunkera "Bilbao 00:00h" (Label:Alula Records)<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00001ZT11 amazon.com Kepa-Junkera Bilbao-00-00h]</ref>
*2001 "Le peuple migrateur" (Bande originale du film) Bruno Coulais (Label:EMI)<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/le-peuple-migrateur-bande/id485703073 itunes.apple.com Le peuple migrateur (Bande originale du film) Bruno Coulais]</ref>
*2001 "[[Winged Migration|Le peuple migrateur]]" (Bande originale du film) Bruno Coulais (Label:EMI)<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/le-peuple-migrateur-bande/id485703073 itunes.apple.com Le peuple migrateur (Bande originale du film) Bruno Coulais]</ref>
*2001 Kepa Junkera "Maren" (Label:Parlophone)<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/maren/id693695165 itunes.apple.com Kepa Junkera "Maren"]</ref>
*2001 Kepa Junkera "Maren" (Label:Parlophone)<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/maren/id693695165 itunes.apple.com Kepa Junkera "Maren"]</ref>
*2003 Kepa Junkera "K" (Label:Phantom Sound & Vision)<ref>[http://www.allmusic.com/album/k-mw0001704259 allmusic.com Kepa Junkera "K"]</ref>
*2003 Kepa Junkera "K" (Label:Phantom Sound & Vision)<ref>[http://www.allmusic.com/album/k-mw0001704259 allmusic.com Kepa Junkera "K"]</ref>
*2004 Hughes De Courson – Lux Obscura "Un Projet Electro-Medieval" (Издател:Ballon Noir/EMI Records Ltd./Virgin Classics)<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Lux-Obscura-Electronic-Medieva-Hughes-Courson/dp/B0000E333N amazon.com Hughes De Courson – Lux Obscura "Un Projet Electro-Medieval"]</ref>
*2004 Hughes De Courson – Lux Obscura "Un Projet Electro-Medieval" (Издател:Balloon Noir/EMI Records Ltd./Virgin Classics)<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000E333N amazon.com Hughes De Courson – Lux Obscura "Un Projet Electro-Medieval"]</ref>
*2006 Kepa Junkera "Hiri" (Elkar)<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Hiri-Kepa-Junkera/dp/B004LB5V7G amazon.com Kepa Junkera "Hiri"]</ref>
*2006 Kepa Junkera "Hiri" (Elkar)<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LB5V7G amazon.com Kepa Junkera "Hiri"]</ref>


== Links ==
== Links ==
Line 71: Line 69:


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Bulgarian folk music]]
[[Category:Bulgarian folk music groups]]
[[Category:Culture in Plovdiv]]

Latest revision as of 22:31, 9 October 2023

Bulgarka Junior Quartet is a Bulgarian vocal folklore ensemble.

Biography

[edit]

Bulgarka Junior Quartet was formed in 1989 in Plovdiv (Bulgaria), as the initiator for the formation of the group is Rumyana Tsintsarska (Folklore Music Editor in Bulgarian National Radio Folk Music who managed the successful performance of Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares ensemble (translated as "The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices") in collaboration with Marcel Cellier).

Bulgarka Junior Quartet singing together
Bulgarka Junior Quartet in 2011

The concept behind the name of the formation - Bulgarka Junior Quartet comes from Latin word "junior" - "young" in English, which was selected coincidentally, as a sign of continuity between generations folk singers - in 1989, when Trio Bulgarka ensemble are at the zenith of their fame and have realized joint projects with musicians such as George Harrison and Kate Bush.

The repertoire of the ensemble covers both traditional Bulgarian folk songs and rearranged Bulgarian folklore music by some of the most notable contemporary composers and interpreters of Bulgarian folk rhythms as Ivan Spassov, Krasimir Kyurkchiyski, Theodosii Spassov, Stefan Mutafchiev, Nikolai Kaufman, Dimitar Trifonov and others.

The initial ensemble of the quartet include singers Christina Anastasova, Fanka Koynarova, Vichka Nikolova and Tonka Koleva who were members of Trakia Ensemble at the time. As vocalists at Trakia Ensemble the four folk singers were among the first Bulgarian artists who sang on the stage of Olympia Hall in Paris, France.

The first album of the quartet was recorded in 1989 and was released by Mega Music Label. The promotion of the album started at MIDEM Festival in Cannes, France.

Between 1989 and 1993 Bulgarka Junior Quartet had several concert tours in Finland, Israel, France and participated in the famous Wagner Days (Festspiele). The concert of the ensemble took place in famous Bayreuth Festspielhaus.

At the end of 1993 Vichka Nikolova left the ensemble in pursuit of a solo career.

As of 1994, Bulgarka Junior Quartet members are:

  • Christina Anastasova (first soprano) raised and educated in Strandzha folklore tradition. Anastasova graduated with honors Music School "Philip Koutev" Kotel, Bulgaria and the Academy of Music and Dance in Plovdiv and in 1997 she released her first solo album "Living With Strandzhas' Songs"
  • Fanka Koynarova (second soprano) who as a child was a part of a youth ensemble in Smolyan, Bulgaria and graduated Music School Shiroka Laka, Bulgaria and Academy of Music and Dance in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. In 1998 Koynarova released a joint album with Mladen Koynarov, and year before that, in 1997 she debuted as solo artist with the project called "A Rhodopa Song".
  • Elena Bedeleva (first alto) graduated with honors Music School "Philip Koutev" Kotel, Bulgaria and Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
  • Tonka Koleva (contra alto) began singing appearances since childhood as a vocalist of the Children's Folklore Ensemble Haskovo and graduated with honors Music School "Philip Koutev" Kotel, Bulgaria and и Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts Plovdiv, Bulgaria. In 1994 she released her first solo album "Walnut Leaf".

Each of Bulgarka Junior Quartet members come from different Bulgarian folklore region with specific and rich vocal heritage and each one of them was brought with folklore singing as a family tradition and then started professional careers as musicians by own choice. All this, and the fact that they are musically educated contribute to their professional growth through long years of artistic career.[1][2][3]

Tours

[edit]

The first concerts of Bulgarka Junior Quartet took place during the MIDEM Festival in Cannes, France. This is the first introduction of the ensemble to the world music scene. The quartet toured in France, Finland, Germany, Israel, Morocco, Belgium, Italy, Spain and England.

The quartet's repertoire is diverse in genre and style-wise. Bulgarka Junior Quartet's discography includes collaborations with Kepa Junkera, Juan Peña Fernández El Lebrijano, Sabin Todorov, A Filetta, Bolyari Ensemble, Nikolay Kaufmann and Bruno Kule.[4]

In 1998 the group took part in the Sfinks Festival, Belgium, where they shared a stage with names like Susana Baca and Jorge Ben Jor.

Quartet was invited to play a musical accompaniment for the fashion review of British/Turkish Cypriot fashion designer Hussein Chalayan that took place during the London Fashion Week in 1999 where Chalayan won for the second time Best Designer of the Year Award.[5][6]

In the summer of 2009 Bulgarian Junior Quartet were invited to participate in "Unique Voices of Bulgaria" concert that aimed to revive the architectural and historic Old Town of Plovdiv as a national music scene for high arts. Tonka Koleva, Fanka Koynarova, Elena Bedeleva and Christina Atanasova enchanted audience with its rich folklore program, including acappella chants and folk songs to the accompaniment of flute and percussion.[7]

In the month of June 2011 the quartet participated in Tampere Festival, Finland. The concert of the quartet was a collaboration with Sabin Todorov, and the event took place in the Old Customs House Hall.[8]

Discography

[edit]
  • 1989 "Bulgarian Folklore" (Label:Mega Music)[9]
  • 1994 "PALESTRINA missa primi toni" (Label:Erato Disques/DETOUR)[10]
  • 1995 "Legend of Bulgarian Voices" (Label:Arc Music)[11]
  • 1996 "The Magic Voices of Bulgaria" (Label:Sounds Of The World)[12]
  • 1997 "Traditional Bulgarian Folk Songs" (Label:Studio SM)[13]
  • 2010 Inside Story 2 (feat. Bulgarka Junior Quartet) Sabin Todorov Trio, Sal La Rocca & Lionel Beuvens(Label:Sowarex)[14]
  • 2011 Folk Series: Bulgarka Junior Quartet & Bulgarian National Radio Folk Orchestra (Label:BNR)[15]

Collaborations

[edit]
  • 1999 Various Artists "El Lebrijanо: Lagrimas De Cera" (Label:Parlophone)[16]
  • 1999 Kepa Hunkera "Bilbao 00:00h" (Label:Alula Records)[17]
  • 2001 "Le peuple migrateur" (Bande originale du film) Bruno Coulais (Label:EMI)[18]
  • 2001 Kepa Junkera "Maren" (Label:Parlophone)[19]
  • 2003 Kepa Junkera "K" (Label:Phantom Sound & Vision)[20]
  • 2004 Hughes De Courson – Lux Obscura "Un Projet Electro-Medieval" (Издател:Balloon Noir/EMI Records Ltd./Virgin Classics)[21]
  • 2006 Kepa Junkera "Hiri" (Elkar)[22]
[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ jeunessesmusicales.be Bulgarka Junior Quartet (Voix bulgares au folklore traditionnel et moderne) Archived April 2, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ music-city.org Bulgarka J Quartet biography Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "Dossier pédagogique Jeunesses Musicales de la Communauté française de Belgique Bulgarka Voix bulgares au folklore traditionnel et moderne Bulgarie" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 May 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
  4. ^ "Bulgarka Junior Quartet | Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos".
  5. ^ Hussein Chalayan Autumn Winter 2000 Review
  6. ^ Quin, Bradley. "A note: Hussein Chalayan, Fashion and Technology". Fashion Theory, volume 6, Issue 4, pp. 359-368, Berg, United Kingdom.
  7. ^ ""Българка джуниър" в "Конюшните на царя"". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  8. ^ "igloorecords.be Sabin Todorov Trio + Steve Houben + Bulgarka Junior Quartet @ Tampere Festival / 9 June 2011". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  9. ^ allmusic.com Bulgarka Junior Quartet Traditional Bulgarian Folk Songs
  10. ^ cduniverse.com Palestrina: Missa Primi Toni / Lantos, Ensemble Bulgarka Jr.
  11. ^ Bulgarka Junior Quartet - Legend of Bulgarian Voices
  12. ^ Bulgarka Junior Quartet "The Magic Voices of Bulgaria"
  13. ^ cduniverse.com Bulgarka Junior Quartet - Traditional Bulgarian Folk
  14. ^ itunes.apple.com Inside Story 2 (feat. Bulgarka Junior Quartet) Sabin Todorov Trio, Sal La Rocca & Lionel Beuvens
  15. ^ itunes.apple.com Bulgarka Junior Quartet Bulgarka Junior Quartet & Bulgarian National Radio Folk Orchestra Archived April 2, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ itunes.apple.com Lagrimas De Cera Various Artists
  17. ^ amazon.com Kepa-Junkera Bilbao-00-00h
  18. ^ itunes.apple.com Le peuple migrateur (Bande originale du film) Bruno Coulais
  19. ^ itunes.apple.com Kepa Junkera "Maren"
  20. ^ allmusic.com Kepa Junkera "K"
  21. ^ amazon.com Hughes De Courson – Lux Obscura "Un Projet Electro-Medieval"
  22. ^ amazon.com Kepa Junkera "Hiri"
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