“Balkan Surprise” makes its Bulgarian debut at BNR

On February 26, Studio 1 of the Bulgarian National Radio will host yet another musical celebration. The international quintet Balkan Surprise will give its first concert in Bulgaria together with the Bulgarian National Radio Big Band, conducted by Antoni Donchev.

The idea for this Balkan surprise comes from pianist Vasil Spasov and trumpeter Mihail Yosifov, who developed the concept and repertoire for the project. They are joined by Greek trombonist Antonis Andreou, double bassist Kimon Karaoutzos, and drummer Alexandros Drakos Ktistakis. Balkan Surprise’s first encounter with the Bulgarian audience comes after a successful performance in the packed Olympia City Music Theatre ''Maria Callas'' alongside the Athens Big Band.

Balkan Surprise interprets Balkan musical tradition through the lens of modern jazz, as showcased in Vasil Spasov’s composition of the same name that inspired the quintet’s title.

Edited by Dilyana Tracheva

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov