Village Harmony Summer Camp
2007
Bulgaria
June 24-July10
Led by Petrana Koutcheva, Larry Gordon and Emil Ivanov.
Village Harmony’s fourth camp in Bulgaria will focus on studying traditional music styles and interacting and learning from local singers and musicians in the Rhodope and Pirin regions.
The first week of rehearsal will be at a spacious camp in the countryside a few kilometers up the hill from the village of Dedrashtitsa in the west Rhodope Mountain region. This is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in Bulgaria, with representative cultures and musical traditions of Bulgarians, Muslims, Gypsies, Turks and others. The following week will be spent in the Pirin region, divided between Bansko and Dobrinishte, two historically and culturally rich Bulgarian towns with amazing old houses and museums. Bansko is especially known for its men’s singing tradition. In Dobrinishte we will meet with local ensemble, go to the mineral springs in the village and visit the hostel known as ‘The Gods’ Place’, high up in the Pirin mountains.
In addition to instruction in singing and dancing for everyone, there will be opportunities for those interested to study Bulgarian instruments: gaida, gadulka, kaval, tambura, tupan, clarinet, or accordion.
Following the camp, Pepa is available to lead a further 5-7 days of travel around Bulgaria for anyone who might be interested in staying longer. The itinerary and cost for these extra days will be worked out among those interested in participating.