site.btaJanuary 7, 1950: Philip Koutev National Folklore Ensemble Is Established

On January 7, 1950, the Council of Ministers decreed the establishment of a state ensemble for folk songs and dances with the Committee for Art and Culture. The ensemble's founders were composer Philip Koutev, ballet master Margarita Dikova, and musician Ivan Kavaldzhiev. Koutev was artistic director of the ensemble until 1982. 

After a series of competitions in Sofia, a jury selected the most talented folk singers, dancers, and orchestra musicians from across the country. On the jury were Koutev, painter Iliya Beshkov, and writer Dimitar Osinin, among others.

The ensemble began its activity on May 1, 1951. The first concert was held on March 5, 1952. 

On June 27, 1983, the ensemble was renamed Philip Koutev National Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances. It was renamed again by a Council of Ministers decree on November 11, 1999 to Philip Koutev National Folklore Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances. On June 29, 2001, the ensemble obtained the status of a state cultural institute of national significance.