Tour de force: central Bulgaria

The London Bulgarian Choir moves inland from the coast to Stara Zagora, home town of our musical director Dessi. According to Wikipedia it's a town of wide streets, linden trees and poets. And it's paired with County Down in Northern Ireland. But we're not really here to explore. It's a flying visit to perform a joint concert with the Swiss Bulgarian Choir (also coached by Dessi) and children's folk music troupe Zagorche. 

Me and those pesky talented kids

It's an action-packed gig for the audience, full of vibrant colour and movement. Kiril Todorov, our favourite composer, is in the audience, and that's always nerve-wracking. The Zagorche kids, in particular, leave us breathless with their energetic routines.

The Swiss choir rehearsing

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Backstage and the heat is on

Back on the tour bus the following day we start on Kiril's homemade rakia brandy and while away the journey with songs, games… even a bit of dancing up and down the aisle. 

We're heading for the hills north east of Sofia. Our next stop is Koprivshtitsa, a very special folk festival…

Rakia-fueled moves on the bus