Bulgarians in Brussels applaud Sofia German Language School choir

The clear, resonant voices of the young singers from the mixed choir of Sofia’s 91st German Language School “Prof. Konstantin Galabov” brought the audience in Brussels to its feet during their one-hour concert at Atelier Marcel Hastir. Each piece was met with a warm and emotional response.

During their first visit to the Belgian capital, the choir performed Church Slavonic chants, classical choral works, and excerpts from musicals. Many Bulgarians living in Brussels attended especially to enjoy Sunday evening's (15 March) performance.

“The concert was wonderful. The children are incredibly talented. They sang in several languages. I hope they will perform again so we can enjoy their music once more,” said one Bulgarian attendee after the concert.

People from the audience expressed their gratitude for an event that had rekindled their connection to their homeland, evoking feelings of nostalgia and pride. “It was an incredible experience. I’m so happy that these talented Bulgarian children can come here and share their gift with us,” said one guest. “This concert was a celebration for us,” added others.

The 22-strong choir consists of boys and girls aged up to 18. Although initially slightly tentative, they quickly composed themselves and delivered a polished performance of their diverse repertoire.

“I’ve been singing in the choir for five years,” said Magdalena Ivanova. “It’s an integral part of my school life. It’s wonderful to share our love of music and pass it on to the audience.”

Valentina Tkachova, a former student of the school, continues to return to the choir, drawn by the sense of belonging and community that is created by making music together.

Nikola Dimitrov has been in the choir for four years. He recalls that he was initially turned down, so he joined informally instead. “When I saw the kind of people in the choir and experienced what we create during rehearsals, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” he says. It’s an incredible mix of personalities, emotions, and experiences. We’re all different. Our teacher calls us 'little birds' – there are storks, blackbirds, doves and larks, to name a few. But when we stand together, we become one flock,” he said.

The choir visited Brussels at the invitation of the Young Talents Academy Foundation, led by the music educator and producer Penka Petrosovitch.

The choir has a long history and strong traditions, and has been conducted since 2010 by Krasimira Tsutsumanova, a music teacher who has inspired students to devote a significant part of their free time to singing.

“I built this choir up from scratch to reach the standard you saw today,” said Tsutsumanova. "Our school places strong academic demands on students. Despite this, they are very dedicated and still find the time and motivation to attend rehearsals. Attracting young people to choral music is a real challenge nowadays, as traditions are not as strong as they once were. But the students inspire one another. Some come out of curiosity, while others want to sing or learn. The choir brings them together to create and make music – to breathe and sing as one.”

Editor: E. Karkalanova

English: E. Radkova