A Conversation with Bulgarian Folk Singer Valya Balkanska [Interview Video]

In November 2019, Smithsonian Folkways released Martin Koenig’s documentation of Bulgarian folk music and culture as ‘Sound Portraits from Bulgaria: A Journey to a Vanished World.’ In this video, he interviews Valya Balkanska who is featured on the album singing the Bulgarian folk tune “Izlel ye Delyo Haydutin (Delyu the rebel went out).” Balkanska talks about the origins of the song and its inclusion on the Voyager Golden Record, her earliest memories growing up with folk music in the Rhodope Mountains, and more.
Video Production Directed by Gena Traykova, Martin Koenig, and the film crew from bTV
Camera and Sound by Boris Pintev and Evgeni Genov
Filmed at the National Art Gallery in Sofia, Bulgaria
Video Translation by Detelina Kokarchina
'Sound Portraits from Bulgaria: A Journey to a Vanished World' is available as 2xCD Book Set and Digital.
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Between 1966 and 1979, educator and cultural documentarian Martin Koenig made half a dozen trips to Bulgaria. Working in villages throughout the country, Koenig filmed, recorded, and photographed the lively, yet endangered, aspects of Bulgaria’s traditional culture. The results are indelibly gathered in Sound Portraits from Bulgaria: the vibrant rural life he experienced, the virtuosic musicians and dancers he met, the extraordinary music they made, and the joyous rituals and festivals he witnessed. This collection celebrates a way of life that has largely vanished due to industrialization, technology, globalization, and emigration.
Valya Balkanska
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Smithsonian Folkways: folkways.si.edu
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[@CaptPoco]

Such a humble woman. In another country, she would be a celebrity, a living national treasure, or some other honor. She's just proud she could get the pitch of her song done right. I must also say, the straightforward, almost rustic manner of speech is also quite charming.

[@ddi3852]

Valia Balkanska is a Saint like in Bulgaria.
I have had the the Huge Honour to have met her in person and interact with her. She is the sweetest, humblest human being you can imagine. A true credit to not only Bulgaria, but to humanity as a whole. Real down to earth and very, very wise.

[@gaerganabojinova2905]

I am so proud of her!

[@dbadagna]

One of the best things I've ever seen on RUclips. Thank you.

[@vigulfmusicproduct]

Totaly Legend:) Kiss!

[@ДианаГеоргиева-ж8к]

❤🇧🇬

[@leilam580]

ДА ЖИВЕЕ БЪЛГАРИЯ !

[@patriotpatriotic3894]

She is amazing!

[@IiaFilipova-sq1dq]

Valia i love you and listen to you all the time !!!! You are magical!!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@e.h-v.8070]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Малкият_Кралски]

Валя Балканска
❤❤❤

[@youliapenickowa]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤Велико❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dbadagna]

The original track being discussed in this interview:
v=ZP29VyGOLnw

[@todorkubadinski5577]

Unique song.. but one of the biggest songs

[@viagra5207]

This woman's emotion and soul that have been recorded into this music might serve as an ambassador of the human spirit to an unknown alien civilization. Personally, I couldn't be happier with my representation.