4 Grand prix at International Art Festival for Children and Youth “Spring Inspiration” (Russia) XVIIth International Art Festival for Children and Youth “Spring Inspiration”took place in the northern capital of Russia, Saint Petersburg. 805 participants from 28 cities of Russia, Kazakhstan and Estonia presented 298 performances and art works and fought for prizes. As a result of intense and emotional struggle 4 groups won the Grand Prix: participant from the Moscow region, the theatre team from St. Petersburg, a piano master from Krasnodar and the dance studio from Perm. 47 groups - participants won the “Laureate 1 degree” title. The jury enjoyed a great variety of styles and genres, we could see both - traditional and original pieces, so every viewer could find something interesting personally for him. Musicians were at different ages and played different types of musician instruments. This edition of the festival gathered singers at different ages. As always, the dancers prepared for glory. There were surprisingly elegant costumes, and beautiful
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music, and original decisions of the directors. In addition to performances the festival, there was a fine arts competition and a master class on pottery. It is necessary to say about the performances of the theatrical groups – the excerpts from pieces and musicals, which the young artists performed, were surprisingly professional. The festival “Inspiration. Spring” is organized four times a year.
Indonesia - absolute winner in Jesolo World Cup of Folklore 2017
A dream became true for one of participating groups at the World Cup of Folklore organized in Jesolo, Italy from 18th till 22nd of May. Indonesia, rapresented by Sanggar Kesenian Aceh, Universitas Gadjah Mada got the Grand Prix Cup, Diploma for Absolute Winner and 2000 euro cash prize by main organizer. The winner excited Jury and public with excellent performance and perfect synchronism between group’s components. President of Jury was Mr Francesco Gatto, member of IOV and Italian federation of folklore traditions. The event combined 2 festivals in 1 – World Cup of Folklore and International Festival for Folklore and Contemporary Arts “Le spiagge d’Italia” with more than 400 artists from 9 countries – Italy, Indonesia, Slovenia, Georgia, Israel, Malaysia, Lithuania, Kyrghyzstan and India. The Jury placed on 1st place Children’s folk song and dance ensemble “Khikhani” from Georgia which got also a voucher for 1000 euro provided by EAFF /European Association of Folklore Festivals/. Arts School of Sarawak from Malaysia was ranked on 2nd place by Jury and received voucher for 500 euro by EAFF. 3rd place went to Slovenia – Macedonian Cultural Society of Nova Gorica “Ohrid pearls” which got bronze medal, Cup and voucher of EAFF for 300 euro. Thanks to strong and close collaboration with the European Association of Folklore Festivals – EAFF, the World Cup of Folklore – Jesolo promises to become a high level folklore forum and give more future satisfactions to its participants.
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Kiten (Bulgaria) becomes a world stage of children art! Two youth art competitions under the name “Sunny rhythms of Bulgaria� will be held in the period July 1- 8 and August 19 - 26 in Kiten (Bulgaria). The resort Kiten is situated at the South of the Bulgarian seaside and attracts tourists by unusual hospitality and friendly atmosphere. The creative camp and festival-contest in Bulgaria in the framework of the Salute to Talents project is a wonderful possibility for children to show their talents at the stage of sunny Black sea coast! Participants are divided in 7 age groups in different categories like instrumental and vocal art, choreography, theater, fine arts and original genre. All the participants receive souvenirs. In each nomination, age and group category the participants get the titles of I, II, III degree Laureates, as well as the title of Diplomant. The jury also chooses the winner of Grand Prix from one of the I degree Laureates. Owner of the Grand Prix has an opportunity to participate in one of the festivals-contests of the Salute to Talents Project in the same nomination during the festival season without participation fee. Salute to Talents is a system of prestigious international festivalscontests for children and youth combined with extensive excursion program. The Superfinal of the festival season will be held in October 2017 in Saint-Petersburg. The Ist degree Laureates at any of the festivalscontests, held during the festival season 2016-2017 in the framework of the Salute to Talents project, are allowed to take part in Superfinal.
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Jumpstart for the 1st International Festival “Children’s Folklore” (Romania) 12 groups with about 7 countries with more than 300 participants made a real celebration on the stage of Professional Musical Theater “Stela Popesku” during the International festival “Children’s Folklore” conducted from 27th till 30th of May in the Romanian capital - Bucharest. Performers from Bulgaria, India, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Italy and Romania gathered different cultures through dance, music and attractive national costumes. During the three festivals days children’s ensembles showed great performances filled with charm and cheer.
The large event’s official opening ceremony was attended by the president of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF, Kaloyan Nikolov who congratulated the organizers, participants and guests and inaugurated the first edition of the festival. “Obsevers from Germany and Holland stated that they have witnessed one of the most beautiful children’s festivals in the world. We would like to thank for all the support EAFF has shown us during the organisation of the first edition of the International Festival CHILDREN’S FOLKLORE”, said the organizers. Folklore event was filmed by the team of EuroFolk TV, where the film will be broadcasted. It includes many interviews and performances of participants. Festival is a non-competitive event of traditional and stylized music and dance. All participants were awarded with special diplomas and cups by the well-known actress Stela Popesku. The first International festival “Children’s Folklore” is now preserved in history with a movie.
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Rome and Rimini became folk scenes Rome and Rimini became folk scenes II International Folklore Festival in Rome was held from 4 to 7 May
The festival did not have a competitive character. About 1100 participants from Bulgaria, Turkey, Sweden, Serbia, Macedonia, Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia took part in the festial”, said the director of the musical event Dragan Petkovich. In his words, the Rimini International Folklore Festival has its history since 2010 when the organizers decided to invite their groups to the wonderful place in Rimini. They also receive great support from the city’s management. “Of course, this Festival wouldn’t be this successful and large without the help of EAFF Team, and we thank you once more for your great work and support.” says Dragan Petkovich. He also reports, that they have already begun preparations for next year, when they hope to hold an even better festival in Rimini.
“At the end of May was held International Modern Dance Competition Rimini Dance Open 2017. This year it gathered more then 700 Competitors from 9 Countries (Italy, Hungary, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Serbia, Macedonia, Slovenia and Croatia). With 5 international judges Rimini Dance Open 2017 has really high standard of Dance Competitions.”, says in addition Mr. Petkovich.
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Children’s-Youth Dance Ensemble “Kyustendilche” became Absolute Balkan Champion in 2017 and won the Grand Prix in Hissarya (Bulgaria) Golden Medal, Grand Prix Golden “Orpheus”, the title Absolute Balkan Championship of Folklore in 2017 and the cash price of 1000 Euro were awarded to the Children’sYouth Dance Ensemble “Kyustendilche” from Kyustendil (Bulgaria) during the VI Balkan Championship of Folklore “Euro Folk - Jiva Voda”, Hissarya 2017. Students of Rangel Madzharski presented their program on the third day of the championship and impressed the audience and the jury with wonderful performances. Ensemble of Folklore songs “Kitka sharena” at “Prosveta” Community centre from Katuntsi village, Sandanski municipality (Bulgaria) won the silver medal of the Championship as well as Silver “Orpheus” and the title Absolute Balkan Vice-champion in 2017. Their art director is Eftim Zaykov. Third winner became the Bagpipe group “Rodopchani” at “Gogo Mavrov 1930” Community center from Plovdiv. They won the Bronze “Orpheus” and bronze medal from the Championship. The group’s exciting performance brought them high assessments of the jury. They were awarded by Eng. Penka Doykova - mayor of Municipality of Hissarya. The VI Balkan Championship of Folklore held from 8th till 12th of June in the old Bulgarian town of Hissarya which was attended by 200 groups with about 2000 participants. 10 groups in total were nominated for the Grand Prix. Within the four days of folklore competition the jury awarded 86 performers with golden medals, 57 with silver medals and 48 with bronze medals. Tens of groups, individual performers and art directors won medals, diplomas, laureate distinctions as well as diplomas for “Discovery” and “Maestro”. Traditionally, VI Balkan Championship of Folklore “Euro Folk - Jiva Voda” finished with a great Bulgarian chaindance (horo).
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Lithuanian Festival gathered over 1300 participants for its 45th anniversary This year the festival “Skamba Skamba Kankliai“ celebrated its 45th anniversary! It took place from 23rd to 28th of May 2017 in Vilnius, Lithuania. This was informed by the organizers of the folklore forum. „Vilnius was filled with traditional music and dances performed by Lithuanian ensembles and foreign guests. More than 1300 participants took part in this festival, in addition there were groups from Switzerland, Estonia, Belarus, Iran, Azerbaijan, Great Britain and Georgia participating as well.“
“The festival was dedicated to celebrate 2017 as the year of Lithuanian national costume, the main Festival concert „LINADA LINAGAUDO“ was the concert to illustrate the process of costume making: from the linen and patterns to its final view. Every year the festival gives a significant opportunity for a modern human to contribute to the traditional culture, being the base of the existence of the nation“, say the organizers.
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Two folklore competitions in Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria) were eternalized with a film!!! The documentary-musical film about the VIII Bulgarian National Championship of Folklore “Euro Folk 2017” and the II World Cup of Folklore – Veliko Tarnovo 2017 is a fact. The most impressive performances of participants in both simultaneously held with XXI Stara Planina Fest “Balkan Folk” (12-21 May 2017) forums were presented in a movie with duration of an hour. The most large scale folklore event of “Musical Feasts” was attended by 200 Bulgarian and international art groups with about 4000 singers, musicians and dancers. You can watch the film in YouTube as well.
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13 groups from 6 countries took part in the “Ohrid pearl” festival From 15th till 19th June was held the IX International Music and Folk Dance Festival “Ohrid Pearl” which were attended by 13 groups and more than 400 participants from Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, Turkey. Official festival opening was held on 16th of June on stage of Center of Culture “G.Prlicev” in Ohrid with a lot of audience. On the opening speach vice - major of the Ohrid, Angel Janev welcomed all the participants and thanked to the hosts for their organization. Director of the festival Zoran Strezovski gave presents and certificates after performance of each group. “Second festival evening was on the main square in Ohrid on 17th of June. Festival finished on 18 june with join party of all participants in hotel Desaret in Ohrid where they expressed their satisfaction of participating on the festival.”, said Mr Strezovski.
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Group for folklore dances “Trakia 1” from Dimitrovgad won the Grand Prix of International Folklore Festival “Euro folk - Black sea” 2017! Performers from the group for folklore chain-dances “Trakia 1” at “Hristo Botev - 1902” Community centre, Dimitrovgrad (Bulgaria) won the Grand Prix Golden “Orpheus” in the XIII International Folklore Festival “Euro folk - Black sea” 2017. Art director of the group is Irina Kostadinova - Nikolova. The prize was awarded by the president of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF - Kaloyan Nikolov during the official closing ceremony of the festival.
More than 70 groups (dance groups, ensembles and individual performers) with more than 1000 contestants from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Lativa and Poland participated in the 13th edition of “Euro Folk – Black Sea” 2017, which took place in the “Green Pak” complex in Kiten. All the contestants were given Honorable diplomas and were given the honorable token of the forum. Numerous groups won Diplomas for generation continuity named after Iliyan Nikolov, the founder of “Balkan Folk” and Musical Feasts. Many contestants became a discovery of “Euro Folk – Black Sea” 2017, among them were many young performers of the Bulgarian folk song. The youngest participant was 4-years-old singer Tsvetelina Georgieva Yorgova from Sliven and the oldest was 86-years-old Genyo Genev from Garbovo, who presented the пroverbial humor of the residents of Gabrovo and the region. The National Artist was twice nominated by UNESCO for a Living Human Treasure.
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International Festival in Durres (Albania) gathered together about 400 participants from 6 countries VI International folk - dance & music festival “DURRES FEST” was held from 21st till 25th of June 2017 in Durres (Albania). The festival was attended by 12 groups from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Croatia with more than 400 participants, announced the festival’s director Zoran Strezovski. “The first day was organized a Welcome reception with leaders of the groups where the program and other activities of the festival were presented. Festival evening was held on 23th June on the main square in Durres where all groups danced and sang in front of the audience. On 24th June was organized closing ceremony where each group was awarded with certificate and present. They had common party until midnight. During the day they enjoyed the wonderful beach in front of the hotel.”, informed the organizer. Durres is the most ancient city in Albania and its former capital. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the largest port in Albania. The town is a seaside resort, a preferred holiday destination for many local and foreign citizens. It is located close to the capital Tirana. It is also possible to get there by train. Interesting landmarks are the ruins of the fortress wall, the Roman amphitheater, the fortress mosque, the cultural center, as well as the old military bunkers around the beach.
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Children’s Youth Dance Ensemble “Kyustendilche” was officially awarded with Grand Prix from “Euro folk - Jiva voda” - Hisarya 2017 Grand Prix Golden “Orpheus”, golden medal, Diploma for Absolute Balkan Champion of folklore 2017 and 1000 Euro money prize were solemnly given to the winners of VI Balkan Championship of Folklore “Euro folk - Jiva voda” - Hisarya 2017 - Children’s Youth Dance Ensemble “Kyustendilche” at United Children’s Complex Kyustendil. Art director of the group is Rangel Madzharski.
The official ceremony was held in the City hall of Kyustendil municipality. The president of EAFF - Kaloyan Nikolov awarded part of the prizes to the Art director of the group - Rangel Madzharski. He received also the “Maestro” diploma - for contribution in folklore art as well as Diploma for essential contribution in preservation and promotion of traditional Balkan folklore arts. The money prize provided by the Municipality of Hisarya was awarded personally by the mayor of Hisarya - Eng. Penka Doykova. She came in Kyustendil specially for the ceremony.
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Festival №1 in Europe - “Balkan Folk” topper a world festival ranking!!! Stara planina Fest “Balkan Folk”, traditionally held every year in May in the the town of Veliko Tarnovo - capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, headed a world top festival ranking, according to the Canadian Flight Network website. Apart from the festival, the website is also advertising the unique Bulgarian city. “Located in north central Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo oozes with medieval history, romance and natural beauty. It’s one of Bulgaria’s most historic towns, luring visitors in with its carefully restored Tsarevets Fortress, which was once the citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire...There’s no better opportunity for Bulgarians and travelers from around the world to indulge in the folk music that has shaped so many unique cultures.” - this is a part from the introduction of the town and the festival published in the website, which has more than 185 000 followers in the social networks. In Top 21 of the ranking are included not only folklore and ethno festivals, but another popular festivals such as pop, jazz, choral etc. which are conducted in England, Norway, Greece, Finland, Normandy, Germany, Netherlands, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal, Austria, Montenegro, USA and Italy. Festival Europe’s №1 of traditional folklore arts - Stara planina Fest “Balkan Folk” is the main event of Musical Feasts - Euro folk, which include 45 more musical festivals. Applications for participation in the next edition in 2018 you can already submit on the official website of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF.
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10 groups from 8 countries participated at the “St Ivan’s Days” festival near the Balaton lake
From 23rd till 26th June nearly to the Balaton lake in the Hungarian town Keszthely was held the “St Ivan’s Days” festival. 10 groups participated at the festival from Latvia, Turkey, Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Armenia, Poland. The first day of the festival started with the marching of the groups at the main street of town Keszthely after the Major welcomed the ensembles the groups presented their art to the local people and visitors. In the spare time of the groups, they had the opportunity to enjoy the lake shore in the hot summer, or to prepare themselves for the closing ceremony and concert in the theatre hall of Keszthely. In the end, the organisers and the municipality of the town had some gifts to thank the group that they magnified the program with their presence and performances. The director of the festival – Mr. Aron Kovats said in addition that “It was the first “St Ivan’s Days” at the Lake Balaton but all the persons who organised the event were 100% sure that next year we come back again, and looking for more ensembles from all around the world.”
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The Moldavian ensemble “Kodreniy” won the Grand Prix of the IX “Euro folk 2017” Folklore dance ensemble “Kodreniy” (Calarasi, Moldova) won the Grand Prix Golden “Orpheus”, money prize of 1000 Euro and golden medal of the IX European Championship of Folklore “Euro folk”. The group is directed by Igor Filipchuk and Goergi Farkulitsa. Ensemble became an Absolute European Champion of Folklore 2017. Award were given during the closing ceremony of the championship by Kaloyan Nikolov - president of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF. Both artistic directors are honored by the jury with the titles “Maestro-Academician”. Irina Cojocaru - Second Secretary on Consular Affairs, acting as Head of the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Bulgaria came especially for the event. She greeted the dancers, organizers of the championship and guests on both Bulgarian and Romanian language. Absolute Vice-European champion of folklore of “Euro folk 2017” became Vocal Ensemble “Ivanka” from Ivanteevka (Russia). They won silver medal leaded by Olga Vladimirovna Malinkina - their artistic director. Fifth talented singers took part in the first days of the contest. Silver “Orpheus” and the diplomas will be sent to the local authorities with the recommendation to officially award the winners. Third place of the European Championship of Folklore was for the Dance group “Trake”, Stamboli-
yski (Bulgaria). Art director of the group is Zhaneta Ivanova. Bronze medal of the championship is given by Valko Lyubenov - director, choreographer, pedagogue; Doctor Honoris Causa of Folklore Music and Dance by Anstend University England; honorable cultural worker, deputy chairman of Commission 6 in the International organization of Folklore IOV - UNESCO. More than 70 folklore groups from Bulgaria, Russia, Latvia, Moldova, Yakutia, Slovakia and others with more than 1500 participants took part in the IX European Championship of Folklore. After a contested race, the jury awarded the gold “Orpheus” nomination to 7 of them. 48 groups and individual performers in total were awarded with 21 golden, 20 silver and 7 bronze medals.
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Performers from 8 countries successfully participated in a festival in South Pieria (Greece) 13th edition of the International Folklore Festival in South Pieria (Greece) was held from 6 till 11 July, 2017 and gave scene for performances of 310 people from Kazakhstan, Estonia, Ukraine, Georgia, Turkey, Poland, Bulgaria and Greece. The director of the festival - Panagiotis Pagonidis has informed us about the implementation of the event. According to his words - the event was another successful festival which is conducted in official cooperation with the Municipality of Katerini.
The ceremony and the concerts on the Olympic beach in Katerini were attended by more than 2000 people, Mayor and Co-Chairs of Katerini Municipality as well as the President of the regional unit in Thessaloniki and consuls from Ukraine and Turkey.
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The first festival “International moment” in Thessaloniki, Greece started with a huge success The first Summer, musical, vocal and dance competition “International moment” took place and was big success from the 23rd until the 26th of June 2017 in Thessaloniki, Greece , the director of the musical event Panagiotis Pagonidis informed.
“More than 120 amateut groups consisted of dancers and sigers took part in it. They were from Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Turkey. They competed agains eachother but also had fun in the night which was full of surprises. The participants were given awards and participation certificates” The director told and expressed his hope: “It will be a pleasure for us to be hosts in 2018 as well and we hope to gather together many friends once again”
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More than 4000 participants took part in the Folklore International Festival Caucasus 2017 Already traditional Folklore International Festival Caucasus 2017 has been organized by the Georgian Union of Choreographers in the Black Sea coast Georgian cities Poti, Batumi and Kobuleti during July 1-10, 2017. Number of performers in the Festival was over 4,000 persons. Along with Georgian folk ensembles in the Festival participated folklore ensembles from abroad: Latvia (3 ensembles), Russia (4 ensembles), Ukraine (3 ensembles), Turkey and Armenia. Caucasus 2017 Festival was supported by the European Association of Folklore Festivals (EAFF), International
Dance Council of UNESCO (CID), Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of Adjara Autonomous Republic, Poti Municipality, Georgian Institute of Qualification and Professional Development of Teachers, Editorial Office of the Georgian Choreography Newspaper published by the Georgian Union of Choreographers and the International Folklore Center.
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Movie about the VI Balkan championship of folklore “Euro folk - Jiva voda” Hisarya 2017!!! VI Balkan championship of folklore “Euro folk - Jiva voda” - Hisarya 2017 entered the folklore archives with a review-documentary film, created by studio EuroFolk TV. The tape contains numerous interviews, a procession, as well as the most attractive and important moments of the performances of over 200 groups with around 2000 participants in the 4 contest days in the Championship. The musical, dance and vocal heritage was presented 9 genre categories and 2 age groups. Special attention was given to the award giving to the winners of the 6th edition of the Championship - Children adolescent dance ensemble “Kyustendilche”. More about this in the movie. Happy watching!
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Costa Brava is preparing for a grand competition The International Folklore Competition “Sea, Sun, Festival� in which representatives of 27 countries will take part, will take place on the Spanish coast of Costa Brava in the period September 17-22, 2017. The organizers are preparing a special program that will amaze you with the opportunity to be involved in the art and to get new knowledge. In addition to competitive part and bright concert programs, a memorable award ceremony, a direct exchange of views between the leaders of creative teams will be organized. Teachers from 27 countries will share their experience and talk about the trends in art in their own country - everyone can take part in this event, and interpreters will be provided for a better understanding. Applications for participation can be filled before August 25, 2017 on the official page of the European Association of Folklore Festivals EAFF.
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Dancers from Armenia won the Grand Prix of the festival “Happy planet” About 2000 participants from 10 countries – Latvia, Poland, Geogia, Sweden, Russia, Iran, South Korea, Mexico, Spain and Armenia took part in this year International Festival “Happy planet”, said the organizers – Robert Mkrtchyan (director of the festival) and Roza Manukyan (PR). The contest was held from 14th till 20th of July in Tsaghkadzor (Armenia). Participants competed in 4 categories and 3 age groups. “Armenian dance group with participants up to 16 years old is the winner of Grand Prix. In age group up to 17 years old, winners are the Ensemble for folklore songs and dances from Warsaw Economic Institute. Special guests were the advisor of Republic of Armenia Cutural Ministry - Arsen Grigoryan (Armenia) and the president of Armenian National Dance Confederation Karen Gevorgyan. The festival was broadcasted on few TV channels.”
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Less than month till the beginning of the Black sea festival in Kiten (Bulgaria) From 30th of August till 4th of September, the “Green park” hotel complex in Kiten, Bulgaria will host the 14th edition of Black sea festival “Euro folk” 2017. More than 80 groups and individual performers will present themselves on the stage of the festival. The event is held in the frame of Musical feasts “Euro folk” - The world is television. Professional jury will assess more than 1000 singers, dancers and musicians from Bulgaria, Romania and India in 6 categories and 2 age groups. The grand prize is “Euro folk - Grand Prix “Orpheus” and a Diploma. The winners in separate categories will be awarded with First awards and diplomas. All the winners receive Laureate diplomas
and memorable presents. All the prizes are given during a Ceremony of Musical feasts “Euro folk” - The world is television. At the discretion of the jury and the producers of Euro Folk Academy distinguished artists and artistic leaders are awarded with a Diploma for obtaining the title Maestro or Maestro Academic, as well as Diplomas for a significant contribution to the preservation and development of European traditional folklore arts. The diplomas are sent to the relevant municipalities with a request for solemn awarding. All winners receive a free copy of the TV product in which their performances have been recorded and is to be broadcasted in Bulgaria or Europe, as well as on EuroFolkTV on several occasions. 25 25
Movie about the XIII International Folklore Festival “Euro folk - Black sea” 2017 Overview movie about the 13th edition of the International Folklore Festival “Euro folk - Black sea” 2017, which was held in the “Green park” hotel complex in Kiten, introduces us 70 dance groups, ensembles and individual performers and more than 1000 participants from Bulgaria, Uktaine, Latvia and Poland. The film shows beautiful Bulgarian nature and landscapes, interviews with participants, their impressions and moods as well as performances of groups and soloists. The film is a production of EuroFolk TV.
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Performers from South America and Europe at folklore meeting in Budapest An open international folklore meeting took place from the 2nd until the 5th of August in the Hungarian capital - Budapest. According to the opinion of the festival director - Gaal Tibor, despite the hot weather, the participants had the chance to visit the main tourist attractions of the city in addition to their short beach progammes. “As well as groups form Hungary, Greece, Croatia and Latvia for the first time in the history of the festival there were participants from South America - Argentina. The Greek ambassador and the Argentinian council respected the event and participants whith their presence. The festival expects folklore groups in the next year event as well. “ Gaal Tibor informed.
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Groups from 5 countries at the VIII festival in honor of St. Kliment Ohridski The VIII International festival “St. Kliment Ohridski” took place from the 4th until the 8th of August in Ohrid (Macedonia). “The festival was organized and devoted to the patron of the city - St. Kliment Ohridski. 8 ensembles and choirs took part in the festival, they were from Poland, Estonia, Romania, Turkey and Hungary. We wished the participants a nice stay in Ohrid and a successful performance in the festival nights. For Macedonia and Ohrid the 8th of August - the day of St. Kliment Ohridski has a great meaning, especially for the festival, backed up by Municipality Ohrid.” The director of the festival Zoran Strezovski informed. During the two festival nights on the 5th and 6th of August the ensembles presented their performances on the city square.
On the 7th of August all of the contestants took part in a party, at which the director of the festival gave them presents and participation certificates. In their free time the participants had the cahnce to visit many cultural monuments and had the chance to swim in the wonderful Ohrid “sea”...
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“World Folk” 2017 Under the motto “Friends in the wide variety” began the seventh edition of the World championship of folklore “World folk” 2017. As a sign of the warm Bulgarian hospitality and according to an ancient Bulgarian tradition the guests were met with bread and salt. The official opening took place at the stage in the ancient amphitheater in Nesebar. At the ceremony were official guests from Bulgaria and abroad. The start of the seventh folklore championship “World folk” 2017 was given by the president of the European Association of folklore festivals - EAFF - Kaloyan Nikolov. During the championship - on the 22nd and 24th of August an addition event will take place - master classes in which the groups from Iran, Lithuania, Indonesia, Croatia, Bulgaria (“Yablanska ogarlitsa” and “Sredbogorski polah”) will demonstrate instrumental and dance techniques. Emphasis will be put on the master class “Accordion Kravtsov” the tuition is part of new accordion system called “Zonta” invented by professor Nikolay Kravtsov (Russia). And for photography fans there is the travelling exhibition of EAFF’s official photographer Georgi Nutsov who captured the unforgettable moments of the participants in the festivals of the Musical celebrations. The daily and hourly program can be found on the official EAFF webpage.
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Participants from Indonesia are the winners of the “World Folk” 2017 Championship Representatives of Kencana Pradipa (Universitas Indonesia) - Depok, Indonesia and their art director Donny Yoshinda won the first place at the World Championship of Folklore. The winners of Grand Prix Golden “Orpheus” received the Golden medal of the championship and the title “Absolute World Champion in 2017”. The award - Golden “Orpheus” as well as the check of 1000 Euro, provided by the organizers, were given by the president of the World Association of Folklore Festivals Kaloyan Nikolov. The second place is for Latvian Folk Dance group “Pastalnieki” at NGO “TDK Pastalnieki”, leaded by Aija Ruliete. The group won the Silver medal of the championship and the title “Absolute Vice Champion in 2017”. Award was given by Prof. Nikolay Kravtsov - the chairman of the international jury. Third the performers from Avaye Tabari - Sari, Islamic Republic of Iran was ranked. Bronze medal of the championship and the Bronze “Orpheus” were awarded to the group from Valko Lyubenov, honorable cultural worker, deputy chairman of Commission 6 at International Organization of Folk art - IOV UNESCO. During the official closing ceremony of VII World Championship of Folklore “World Folk” 2017 the following special prizes were awarded: Tambura orchestra from Dugo selo (Croatia) won the Special award on behalf of the District Governor of Burgas Mr. Valcho Cholakov - a Diploma and Photobook “The wonders of Bulgaria”. 30 30
Municipality of Burgas and mayor Dimitar Nikolov assessed the Folklore Ensemble “BALGARANI” from Sofia (Bulgaria) with a Diploma for preservation of folklore arts and the sign of Burgas Municipality. Special award of Municipality of Nessebar and the mayor Nikolay Dimitrov - a diploma for preservation, promotion and honorable presentation of folklore art as well as Photobook “Nessebar - ancient heritage” won the Orchestra from the University of Indonesia, Depok town (Indonesia). Special award of National Commission of UNESCO for Bulgaria under whose patronage the VII Championship “World Folk” was held - a Diploma for excellent presentation and Photobook “Balkans - shared heritage” were given to the Folklor group “Ratilelis” (Lithuania).
Internet TV EuroFolk - main media partner of the World Championship awarded the Ensemble for folklore dances “Velchinetseniy” (Moldova) a Diploma and Plaque. Representative Children’s - Youth Ensemble for Folklore songs and dances “Zdravche - Venche” at “Vasil Levski 1904” Community center, Velingrad (Bulgaria) won the special award of the Euro Folk Academy. European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF awarded a special prize to the Folklore Dance group “Kreicburga” (Latvia). Special award of the World Folk Academy - one of the main organizers of the World Championship was for the Vocal ensemble “TAOBA” (Georgia). World Association of Folklore Festivals awarded the Choir from Dugo selo (Croatia). For the first time the most recent award from the Euro Folk Music - Prize Iliyan Nikolov for the continuity between the generations was given to the Dance group “Srednogorski polah” from Ihtiman (Bulgaria). The prize was initiated in memory of Iliyan Nikolov, the creator of Euro Folk Musical Feasts and the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF. The youngest participant of the championship was from “Srednogorski polah” - 3-year-old Alexandrina Westerlund from Ihtiman won a prize as well.
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EAFF - European Association of Folklore Festivals 47 “Nikola Gabrovski” Str. P.О. Box 27 A 5002 Veliko Tarnovo Bulgaria EU - European Union E-mail: office@eaff.eu Tel.: +359 (62) 62 15 41 Tel.: +359 (62) 62 34 64
UPCOMING FESTIVALS:
www.eaff.eu
Print: Zoom Print - www.zoom-bg.com 6 “Nikola Y. Vaptsarov” Blvd. 1407 Lozenets, Sofia, Bulgaria The information in Review of EAFF has been taken from the News section of the official website of EAFF. It is prepared by Tanya Georgieva, translated by Yoanna Stoilova, designed by Tsvetomila Miteva Printed 32 by: Zoom Center - www.zoom-bg.com