From the first notes, the magic is undeniable. Pure and powerful, the voices weave harmonies both ancient and modern. They transport listeners to the Bulgarian mountains where traditions are passed down through generations. The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices transcends time, offering a unique glimpse into Bulgaria.
For readers of Madame Bulgaria, passionate about travel and culture, discovering the Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices is a unique way to immerse oneself in the essence of Bulgaria. Beyond its stunning landscapes and local flavors, it is the voices of Bulgarian women that carry the memory of a people and the timeless emotion of their roots.
A Millennia-Old Tradition Elevated
The choir’s repertoire draws from Bulgarian folk songs, often linked to the seasons, agricultural rituals, weddings, and village festivities. Characterized by asymmetrical rhythms, mesmerizing dissonances, and distinctive timbres, these songs express the soul of a people who have preserved their heritage over centuries.
In the 1950s, these musical treasures were rediscovered and brought to the international stage by composer and ethnomusicologist Philip Koutev, founder of the National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances. But it was in the 1980s that the phenomenon gained global recognition: the release of the album The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices captivated critics and audiences from Los Angeles to Tokyo. Today, the choir is directed by Dora Hristova.
Between Technique and Vocal Mystique
Comprising around 20 singers, the choir selects its members from villages for the clarity of their voices. They then undergo intensive training in Bulgarian music. What sets this choir apart is its use of diaphony (simultaneous intervals between voices) and unusual dissonances (seconds, sevenths, ninths), combined with modal scales and asymmetrical rhythms (7/8, 9/8, etc.).
The style has an apparent simplicity — often without vibrato — yet reveals remarkable depth and musical tension. This contrast between pure intonation and harmonic complexity creates a “mystical” effect: a sound that feels both ancient and visionary.
Global Recognition
Awarded a Grammy in 1990 for Best Traditional Folk Album, the Bulgarian female choirs have become ambassadors of a fascinating and little-known culture. Their uniqueness has inspired international artists such as Kate Bush, Dead Can Dance, and U2. This recognition is not only about musical originality, but also about raw, universal emotion that transcends language and cultural barriers.
When Bulgaria Enchants the World
Attending a concert of the Bulgarian Voices is a nearly mystical experience. The audience is immersed in a sonic journey where each voice resonates like an echo from the earth itself. It is an invitation to discover not only the richness of the music, but also the warm and vibrant spirit of Bulgaria.
Even today, the choir continues to perform on the world’s greatest stages, reminding audiences that Bulgaria is a country where tradition continually dialogues with modernity.
The Mystery on Tour — This Weekend at the Olympia
For those in France — or simply visiting — this weekend offers a rare chance to experience the choir live: they will perform Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Olympia in Paris.
- Doors open: 8:30 PM, concert starts in the evening
- Tickets: approximately €35–€55 (To get your ticket)
- Opening act: the male vocal ensemble Tavagna, offering a different palette of voices
For sure, it is a rare opportunity to hear these voices in a legendary venue — a nearly initiatory moment for lovers of Bulgarian culture.
Following the Voices in Bulgaria
To continue the experience, why not travel to the land where this music was born? Bulgaria is full of places where its musical and cultural heritage resonates:
- Sofia: The National Museum of Ethnography showcases costumes, instruments, and sound archives linked to tradition.
- Plovdiv: Europe’s oldest city, blending ancient heritage with modern cultural events.
- The Rhodope Mountains: mystical mountains where oral traditions still thrive, featuring local festivals and concerts.
- Koprivshtitsa: a living museum town famous for its folk festival, attracting singers and musicians from across the country each year.
In Summary
The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices is far more than a choir: it is a journey. An immersion into the memory of a people, a meeting with the Bulgarian soul, and an artistic experience that transcends borders. And this weekend at the Olympia, Paris will have the privilege of welcoming this living jewel of Bulgaria.
Pictures @The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices, V. Balevska
