“Roots in the Sky” features works by Georgi Andreev that mark the beginning of a new musical genre, boldly described as ethno-symphonism. The composer’s music does not simply rely on prominent folk motifs woven into the fabric of European classical symphonism, as known from the 20th and early 21st centuries. His original instrumental and vocal-instrumental music forms a homogeneous alloy – a vivid and active organic symbiosis between elements of folklore and Western European symphonism. The styles, expressed through Georgi Andreev’s characteristic dynamic and unique compositional technique, penetrate one another, each contributing its very best: the freshest and most life-affirming, the most enchanting and beautiful, the most solemn and dramatic, the most loving and lyrical. Folk and classical styles travel together in a loving embrace across time, which is why Andreev’s music, as both composer and conductor, can be called timeless and contemporary. Drawing power from the roots of past folklore, it soars toward the boundless sky of the future.
The audience of Roots in the Sky becomes a direct witness to the meeting of two musical worlds – the one of the classic and the one of the folklor. Contributing to this encounter within the Ruse Symphony Orchestra are soloists Milena Andreeva – vocalist, Ivan Peichev – kaval, Kostadin Atanasov – gaida, Denitsa Hristova – gadulka, Georgi Stoichev – tambura and guitar, and Genadii Rashkov – tupan and percussion. The sound palette is further enriched by the vocal quartet Smilena – Milena Andreeva, Darina Djambazova, Nina Arnaudova, and Tanya Purvanova – bearers of the traditions of Bulgaria’s internationally acclaimed folk singers.
The program reaches its emotional climax with the surprising appearance of composer and conductor Georgi Andreev as a virtuoso gadulka performer – an heir to the ancient lyre and a precursor to the modern violin. Together with the brilliant violinist and concertmaster of State Opera Ruse, Konstantin Dimitrov, in a dazzling display of mastery, they will present, for the first time on a Bulgarian stage, the composition “Violira” for solo violin and solo gadulka. The extraordinary work will be conducted by Dimitar Kosev, chief conductor of State Opera Ruse, specially invited by composer Georgi Andreev.