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 10^th 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”.

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)