Milka Stoeva and the Choir

Bourgas Children and Vocal Choral School Another delightful Bulgarian choir is the Children and Vocal Choral School of Bourgas. While perhaps not approaching the classical standards of the Plovdiv choir, the Bourgas is still a delight. The children and youth choral school of Bourgas is one of the well known musical non professional formations in Bulgaria. During 1947 in Bourgas was established children choir, which formed the basis for organizing of entire choral school years later /1962/. Since 1972 begins its stabilizing and permanent ascending development. The participants in the Choral School--students from different schools in the town range from 5 to 19 years old. Most of the participants for some reason appear to be girls, but some intrepid boys join with the girls. Up to 200 children participte. They are grouped in different formations according to their age and singing experience. The prestige of the School is upholded by the Children Choir, which units the efforts of the most qualified members of the Choral School. From expupils of the Children and Youth Choir School is formed Mixed Youth Choir. Its age limit is 30 years old.The children Choir is winner of first and special prizes of the Europian competitions in Neerpelt - Belgium, Debretsen - Hungary, Bilgoshtch - Poland, Varna - Bulgaria, Verona - Italy. International tours were produced in ex Jugoslavia, ex USSR, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Spain, and Sweden. The Bourgas school and choir puts more of an imphasis on folk music and relgious chants and their uniform have Bulgarian-style detailing. The concert repertoir includes pieces from different styles and ages. In the program of both formations are included Church-Slavonic chants, pieces from Renaissance till present days. Widely used are more enveloping pieces like Cantata-Oratorio pieces from Pergolezi, Vivaldi, Motzart, Haidn, Broukner, etc. Since 1962 till today chief conductor of the Choral School has been Mrs. Milka Stoeva. The formation is under the leadership of Youth Cultural Center and Bourgas Administration. Concerts abroad include: 1964, 1969, 1976 Czechoslovakia; 1971 Yugoslavia; 1972 Belgium and Germany; 1975 Belgium and Holand; 1983, 1985 Poland; 1984, 1988, 1994 Germany; 1986 Hungary; 1990, 1991 Italy; 1992 Sweden; and 1995 Spain.

For pity the best conductor Bourgas Choir has ever had - Milka Stoeva - has died two years ago.