Spring Newsletter 2024

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

THE PATH IS YOURS
NEW WORKS BY BULGARIAN COMPOSERS

This year’s festival programs focus on the world premieres of three works by Bulgarian composers, Lora Al Ahmad, Peter Kerkelov, and Svetlin Hristov, created especially for the festival. Each concert in Kovachevitsa will present one world premiere in combination with specially selected works from the standard chamber music repertoire, including beloved compositions by Schubert, Brahms, Weber, Mozart, and Haydn, and lesser-known works by Khachaturian and Bach.

We are also continuing our collaboration with Dobrinka Tabakova. Our audience in Gotse Delchev will hear two chamber works by the composer, Moreni and On a Bench in a Shade, which we plan to record later this summer as part of the festival’s debut album.

Composers Peter Kerkelov, Lora Al Ahmad and Svetlin Hristov in Kovachevitsa

GUEST ARTISTS

Our special guest artists will be Alexander Fiterstein, clarinet, and Yosuke Kawasaki, violin, who will perform in Bulgaria for the first time. Our team will also include two new artists from Bulgaria: pianist Anna Petrova and cellist Teodora Atanasova. Read all about our 2024 team HERE.

KALOFEROV LUTHIERS OF BULGARIA

This summer, we will once again showcase the instruments of our partners – the Kaloferov luthier family of Bulgaria. At the world premierеs of our composers’ new works, you will hear two violins, a viola, and a cello from the Kaloferov collection.

Apostol Kaloferov

Born in 1944 in Bulgaria, Apostol Kaloferov studied woodcarving at the National Art Academy in Sofia. He chose the violin-making profession following family tradition, taking his first lessons from his father and later specializing in France under the supervision of the renowned violin master Jean Bauer. Kaloferov has exhibited his instruments at numerous national exhibitions, and various music institutions own several of them. His string instruments are sought after by distinguished musicians throughout France, England, Germany, Austria, Japan, and the USA. Kaloferov has been the President of the Association of Bulgarian Violin Makers since 1986. He is also an internationally recognized restorer of antique instruments.

Ivan Kaloferov

Youth takes tradition to new horizons. Ivan Kaloferov was featured in In Search of Sound, an interview and photo reportage dedicated to his work.

The Man Who Holds the Key to the Music Box

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Our festival will continue to build a strong and engaged community of supporters who appreciate music while participating in several social causes, including renovating the community center in Kovachevitsa, planting new trees, and cleaning the village on the last day of the festival.

This year’s new initiatives in Kovachevitsa will include a presentation of the delicious tastes of West Rhodopean cuisine in collaboration with our partner hotels, restaurants, and guest houses.

Enjoy our programs and plan an unforgettable weekend with friends in the Rhodope Mountains.

NEWS FROM DAR SVETLINA

I am honored and privileged to give back to Bulgaria’s artistic community and share the beauty and unique location of the Svetlina Cultural Center in Kovachevitsa. Our Charitable Society, Dar Svetlina, is now in its third year. A huge THANK YOU for the continuous support of our donors and friends from Kovachevitsa and beyond who help us take care of this magnificent building and thus ensure the development of our festival!

Lora Tchekoratova, pianist

The Concert Hall at Svetlina Cultural Center in Kovachevitsa after the roof and terrace renovations.
Summer, 2023

This spring, our foundation is renewing efforts to renovate the cultural center in Kovachevitsa. With the help of many individual contributions, we have raised over 6,000 Bulgarian leva just for the cultural center. We will direct this money toward a new parapet for the terrace and lighting above the stage. Learn more about this initiative and follow our progress HERE.

SINGING HEARTS
CONCERTS BY AND FOR CHILDREN

Leader: Mariana Karpatova, mezzo-soprano

JULY 15–19, 2024 / 10.00 AM TO 1.00 PM DAILY
PROSVETA COMMUNITY CENTER, GOTSE DELCHEV

MORE INFORMATION HERE

Mariana Karpatova and her Singing Hearts - summer, 2023

FESTIVAL TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Silvia and Youlian Avramovi

We're excited to introduce Silvia and Youlian Avramovi, key visionaries who have helped us shape our festival from the start.

In 2017 they crafted our brand identity and designed our promotional materials and programs. They also contribute with creative directions, photography, videography, drone footage, radio commercials, and designs for our website and social media pages.

With over 20 years at the helm of a New York-based branding agency, their outstanding creativity and business acumen have shone in design and marketing for various global brands. Аs graphic designers, they've worked on Film and TV productions for Disney, NBC Universal, Paramount, Warner Brothers, Apple, HBO, and Netflix. Beyond film, their company Nicely Natural offers natural deodorants and face creams that reflect their passion for nature and commitment to health and wellness.

Their latest project, Indilia, captures their vision for boundless creativity. In Karpachevo, near Bulgaria's Krushuna waterfalls, they are renovating an old farmhouse into a sanctuary for artists, musicians, writers, and other creative professionals. Envisioned as a hub of inspiration and tranquility, Indilia will welcome talented people worldwide to perform, create, and recharge in a setting that reflects the serene beauty of the past. Their diverse contributions to the arts and dedication to nurturing creativity in all forms have been invaluable to our festival, infusing it with a unique vision and vibrant energy. Learn more about them HERE.

Thank you, Silvia and Youlian!

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Uva Nestum and Therma Vitae

Spa hotels with special rates and services for
Off the Beaten Path Festival guests

Boasting a prime location outside Gotse Delchev, the Uva Nestum Wine & SPA Complex spreads on 15 acres of land in the heart of the spectacular Mesta River Valley. It is surrounded by four majestic mountains: Pirin, the Rhodopes, Slavyanka, and Bozdag. Amenities include a fine restaurant and a bar, thermal water pools, SPA services, a conference center, and two special exhibition areas. Off the Beaten Path Festival, guests receive special rates and transport to the concert venues and back. Make a reservation for a relaxing weekend HERE.

The Therma Vitae Health Resort is located in the picturesque area of the Ognyanovo hot springs, nestling in the lower Kanina River Valley in the foothills of the Western Rhodopes. The town of Gotse Delchev, overlooking the majestic peaks of Southern Pirin mountain, is a few miles away. Set in lush vegetation and abundant sunshine, the Therma Vitae Health Resort is nourished by a host of curative hot springs. The fully renovated hotel building has a balneotherapy center, thermal water pools, restaurants, bars, and a well-kept park. Qualified and friendly staff will ensure your stay at the resort is memorable. Special offers, including bus transfers to the concert venues, are available to all festival guests. More information and reservations are HERE.

IN THE WORKS

VIDEO – Behind the Scenes – Meet our Festival Team (Premieres May 24, 2024)

BEYOND THE MUSIC — Dinner with a Cause —During the 2024 festival, we will offer special culinary experiences with our partners Lavanda, Uva Nestum, and Harmonica. Stay tuned for exclusive dining experiences in Kovachevitsa, Ognyanovo, and Gotse Delchev.

GREEN PARTNERSHIPS – Cleaning Action - We work in partnership with Clean and Green Bulgaria, Gorata.bg, and Bulekopack, and we look forward to joining forces again to make our world greener.

DONATE A CHAIR IN KOVACHEVITSA

SUPPORT OUR INITIATIVES BY BECOMING A PARTNER, SPONSOR, OR VOLUNTEER

Our festival was founded and continues to thrive thanks to the involvement and support of numerous individuals who not only care about our cultural programming but also support our community initiatives. Learn more about our sponsors and how to join our growing community HERE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

The Path is Yours (2024) is made possible with funding from the National Culture Fund, Bulgaria, under the program "Creation". For the most up-to-date list of our sponsors, click HERE.