If you happen to find yourself strolling through the halls of Schoenberg Music Building on a Monday around 7 p.m. and hear a shrill, biting note pierce the air around you, do not be alarmed.

Chances are, you are hearing the gaida, a Bulgarian bagpipe, just one of the many instruments used by the Music of the Balkans Ensemble.

UCLA’s Balkan Music Ensemble is actually comprised of two distinct groups: the Balkan choir and the Balkan band.

The choir, directed by Tzvetanka Varimezova since 2001, performs a cappella renditions of traditional Bulgarian music written in contemporary style. The choir, also Superdevoiche, strives to creates an open sound.

“Our Bulgarian style is a kind of continuing talking voice,” Varimezova said. “Our voices are open, and our chests are open.”

The band, directed by Ivan Varimezov since 2001, incorporates many traditional Bulgarian instruments but is primarily composed of violins, acoustic guitars, saxophones, piano and drums.

The band plays traditional music from all regions of Bulgaria.

These styles are challenging and irregular because of their unorthodox meter, which often changes many times over the course of the same song.

Together, the Balkan Music Ensemble has certainly made its mark at UCLA but has also made a name for itself beyond the borders of the campus and the borders of this country.

The ensemble toured extensively throughout Bulgaria, first in 2005, then in 2008 and most recently in 2010.

Because of its reputation, the ensemble has attracted many new members.

Both directors expressed excitement at the prospect of their ensemble’s growing popularity within the UCLA community.
The ensemble provides an opportunity for students from any ethnic background to come discover and partake in the dense musical traditions of Bulgaria and the Balkans.

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