Traditional Bulgarian Singing and EVT
with Dessislava Stefanova
| Date | Saturday, October 21, 2023 |
| Time | 10:30–4:00: (UTC) |
| Venue | Royal Academy of Music, Marylebone Road, London NW1 5HT (map) |
| Price | £110.00 |
| Early Bird | £95.00 (enter code EARLYBIRD at checkout, valid till 9/29/2023) |
| Student | £65.00 (enter code STUDENT at checkout) |
People who hear Bulgarian music for the first time are often impressed and touched by its immense power, vitality and beauty. Bulgarian singing indeed has a unique style, whose fiery rhythms and unusual harmonies “melt” the soul, a vocal technique which gives power to the voice and voice to the heart.
In this workshop, participants will have a chance to plunge into this rich living tradition. They will be introduced to the basic techniques of voice production and special vocal effects(like shaking and hiccoughing) used in Bulgarian singing. They will learn fun Bulgarian songs in three-part harmony (though discordance might be a better word). The teaching approach will be based on Estill Voice Training and informed by traditional Bulgarian voice practice - playful and precise.
Since 2021, Dessi and Anne-Marie have been working together to identify a reliable and teachable set up, with Anne-Marie being a very willing guinea pig to Dessi’s teachings. This workshop will present where we currently are with our investigations. Suitable for beginners and experienced singers alike.
Dessi grew up singing the songs of her native Bulgaria. Already an experienced international performer by age 18, she went on to become a professional singer and assistant conductor with the renowned Philip Koutev National Folk Ensemble. Since 2000, she has been working in the UK, performing in various art forms, recording for film (Troy, Elizabeth the Virgin Queen, Borat, etc.), games (HALO 4 and 5, etc.), teaching and conducting.
She composes and arranges choral music, notably the haunting vocals of the BBC’s The Missing Crypto Queen. She is founder and leader of the award-winning London Bulgarian Choir (BBC Open Choir of the Year 2006) and of the Swiss Bulgarian Choir. Dessi is Bulgarian Woman of the Year 2017 and was awarded silver medal by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She first encountered Estill Voice Training in 2006 through an eye and ear-opening, muscle-awakening Level 1&;2 course with Anne-Marie Speed and associates. In 2018, she started her Estill Master Trainer journey.
The day will include: • Traditional Bulgarian Singing – Origins and Traditions
• “From One Throat, Two Voices” - Defining the sound - technically and stylistically • Getting started - Foundational physical set ups • Traps and cautions • Let’s get going! – Group practise led by Dessi and Anne-Marie • Making our own choir - Learning a traditional Bulgarian song • Q&As
Cancellation Policy: In the event that a participant wishes to cancel their place on the course they are entitled to the following refund: 4 weeks or more = 90% refund Between 4 -1 weeks = 25% refund From 1 week to the day of event = no refund (under any circumstances, including illness)
Should The Voice Explained cancel a course, a full refund will be offered. Please note that tutors and content may change from that advertised without notice