HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2023
For the first time in Bulgaria
Alexander Fiterstein, clarinet
A recipient of first prize from the Carl Nielsen International Clarinet Competition and the Avery Fisher Career Grant Award, Alexander Fiterstein is known worldwide. As a soloist, he has appeared with the Czech, Israel, Vienna, and St. Paul Chamber Orchestras, among many others. The Washington Post has called his playing “dazzling in its spectrum of colors, agility, and range. Every sound [...] is finely measured without inhibiting expressiveness”, while The New York Times has described him as “a clarinetist with a warm tone and powerful technique.”
A dedicated chamber music performer, Fiterstein frequently collaborates with distinguished artists and ensembles and regularly performs with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York. Fiterstein founded the Zimro Project, a unique ensemble incorporating Jewish art music into chamber music programs.
Yosuke Kawasaki, violin
Yosuke Kawasaki serves as Concertmaster of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra (Ottawa). His versatile musicianship allows him to pursue a career in orchestra, solo and chamber music. His solo and chamber music career spans five continents, collaborating with artists such as Seiji Ozawa, Pinchas Zukerman, and Yo-Yo Ma, and appearing in the world's most prestigious concert halls such as Carnegie Hall (New York), Suntory Hall (Tokyo) and The Royal Concertgebouw (Amsterdam).
Kawasaki's current regular ensembles are Trio Ink (USA) and Quartet AT Mito (Japan). His passion for chamber music led to his appointment as Music Director of the Affinis Music Festival in Japan. He has served on the Honorary Board of the Off the Beaten Path Chamber Music Festival since it was founded.
MusicAIRE Final Event in Brussels and National Culture Fund Grant
On November 29, 2023, Mariana Todorova (Manager and PR) and Lora Tchekoratova (Chair) attended the final event of the European program MusicAIRE, where they presented the project The Path is Yours to colleagues from across Europe and representatives of the European Parliament. We are proud to have been among 51 projects selected as grant recipients in a highly competitive process (two calls, two rounds, and over 700 candidates from many countries.) In addition, The Path is Yours received funding from the National Culture Fund of Bulgaria.
We look forward to continuing our work with the composers and expanding our team of artists, community engagement, and green initiatives in 2024!
FESTIVAL TEAM SPOTLIGHT
INSIEME
Stela Stoykova and Damian Stefanov, Videography
A tandem in both their personal and professional lives, Stela Stoykova and Damian Stefanov, are the authors of all of the information videos, short films, and live video recordings of the Off the Beaten Path Chamber Music Festival. Their work is a joint effort – from the initial idea to the filming and editing. The duo’s name, Insieme, means “together” in Italian. Stela and Damian are also the authors of numerous documentaries of other festival appearances and television performances. As video editors, they have worked on some of the most popular shows on Bulgarian television: Games of Will, Made for Each Other, Nightmares in the Kitchen, Undercover Boss, and many others. You can see their videos HERE.
Thank you, INSIEME!
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Kaloferov Family - Bulgarian Luthiers
The Kaloferov family have been luthiers for three generations, with entries and awards in numerous international lutherie competitions. The quality of their instruments is much sought by professional musicians worldwide. Apostol and Ivan Kaloferov have been partners of the Off the Beaten Path Chamber Music Festival since 2019. Learn more about them HERE.
Thank you, Apostol and Ivan!
In the Works
VIDEO – Two Songs by Dobrinka Tabakova, performed by Mariana Karpatova, mezzo-soprano and Lora Tchekoratova, piano (March, 2024)
VIDEO – Behind the Scenes – Meet our Festival Team of professionals (May 2024)
BEYOND THE MUSIC – During the 2024 festival, we will bring you closer to the culinary world of Southwestern Bulgaria in partnerships with Harmonica and local wine and food producers. You will have a chance to learn how to make traditional Rhodope dishes and taste some of the region’s unique flavors.
GREEN PARTNERSHIPS – We work in partnership with Clean and Green Bulgaria, Gorata.bg, and Bulekopack, and look forward to joining forces again to make our world greener.
SINGING HEARTS - Mariana Karpatova's summer camp for young singers will again bring together children of diverse backgrounds who will make music together and perform for the community as well as for the elderly and people with special needs. Stay tuned for more details in the Spring!
JOIN OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS IN 2024
The Path is Yours (2024) is made possible with funding from the National Culture Fund, Bulgaria, under the program "Creation".
Stone Trail (2023) by Dobrinka Tabakova was commissioned by the Off the Beaten Path Festival, funded by Ernst von Siemens Foundation.