29 october 2026 "Wild Roots" – An Unusual and Captivating Musical Project

As part of the diverse, multi-genre program of the Burgas Opera, an extraordinary event is on the horizon: the concert "Wild Roots" (*Divite Koreni*). On Friday, October 30, at 7:00 PM, the venue will be filled with the compelling power and beauty of the asymmetrical rhythms characteristic of Bulgarian folk music.

"Wild Roots"—a project innovative in both form and content—is the brainchild of Maestro Dimitar Hristov, who also serves as the conductor for this grand-scale concert program. It is a contemporary take on Bulgarian folklore, reimagined through a fresh artistic vision that weaves the robust sound of a classical choir and full symphony orchestra with the vibrant energy of traditional Bulgarian instruments. Through the intimate interplay of voices and instruments, "Wild Roots" showcases some of the finest vocal and instrumental gems from our folk tradition. These are brought to life with brilliant artistry by a group of exceptional contemporary musicians—all soloists from the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) Folk Music Orchestra: soprano Maria Stefanova, *gadulka* player Hristina Beleva, *gaida* (bagpipe) player Petyo Kostadinov, *tambura* and guitar player Petar Milanov, and percussionist Kaloyan Minchev.

"The concept took shape 10 years ago and was first realized in Sofia, featuring the Sofia Philharmonic, the Svetoslav Obretenov Choir, the Vanya Moneva Choir, and the BNR Folk Music Orchestra. It involved four massive ensembles, with nearly 150 performers on stage." In addition, there were soloists—Teodosiy Spasov and Gergana Popova took part. It received a great response at the time, and many people asked whether it would be performed again. This year, to mark my 50th birthday, I decided it was time for this concert once more. We held it just a few days ago in Sliven, and now we are in Burgas. I would also like to mention the soloists from the BNR Folk Music Orchestra: Tina Beleva (gadulka), Petyo Kostadinov (gaida), Petar Milanov (guitar and tambura), and Kaloyan Minchev (percussion), as well as soprano Maria Stefanova—a final-year student at the Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music," says Maestro Dimitar Hristov, conductor of the BNR Folk Music Orchestra, in an interview with BNR-Burgas.

The "Wild Roots" (*Divite Koreni*) concert this Friday will feature the State Opera – Burgas orchestra (with concertmasters Vanya Zlateva and Hristo Belchev), the Burgas Opera choir (conducted by Aleksandar Chepanov), and the orchestra and choir of the "Strandzha" Professional Folk Ensemble – Burgas (led by Mario Egov).

Tickets for the "Wild Roots" concert can be purchased at the Opera box office, the "Chasovnika" (The Clock) ticket booth (in front of Hotel Bulgaria), and through the Grabo and Eventim networks.