site.btaMakers of Traditional Bulgarian Musical Instruments to Hold National Convention

Makers of traditional musical instruments from across Bulgaria will hold their 9th National Convention in the Bakadzhik area near the southeastern town of Yambol on August 31, Tundzha Municipality Mayor Stancho Stavrev told a briefing on Monday. The event is being organized by the Rodolyubie Music Company in Gabrovo and Tundzha Municipality.

Bakadzhik was chosen as the venue on a proposal by Stefan Stoyanov, a 44-year-old master of traditional instruments, mummer masks and moccasins, resident in Chargan, Tundzha Municipality. Stefan commented to BTA: "There will be 20-year-old masters and 80-year-old masters at the convention. I would not describe these crafts as fading, there has been a revival in recent years, anyway. Many young people come to the convention, including instrument makers, musicians and ordinary visitors, which is wonderful."

Stefan started making mummers' costumes when he was about 20 years old. He made his first large tapan drum 10 years ago. A few years later he started crafting bagpipes and kaval flutes. He believes that folk music is timeless. "If I made 10 instruments over the past few months, eight of them were for kids making their first steps in music. It is a joy, really," Stefan said.

The convention will be held as a Festival of Popular Arts and Crafts. Master makers of bagpipes, kavals, tapans, tamburas and gadulkas will display instruments they have crafted and will show how they are made. Folk singers, instrumentalists and dancers will perform their arts. Local craftsmen and manufacturers will display their products.

The National Convention of Traditional Musical Instrument Makers has so far been held in various venues in Bulgaria such as Tryavna, Gabrovo, Kalofer and Kotel. Tundzha Municipality is playing host for the first time. Admission is free. The organizers promise authentic folklore and great entertainment.