The website for the 2008 Bulgarian Folk Music & Dance Seminar in Plovdiv, Bulgaria is now almost complete and contains detailed information about the teachers and daily schedule.

This Seminar is especially designed for non-Bulgarians (or Bulgarians interested in connecting with their "roots" music and dance) who want a more in-depth opportunity to learn traditional instruments, singing styles, and dance than is normally possible for groups or individuals traveling to Bulgaria. This richly unique program couples the knowledge of teachers at the Plovdiv Music Academy with tradition bearers throughout the country. Many classes will be taught by village "masters" from various regions in Bulgaria; the dance program, in particular, features different groups of musicians and dancers throughout the week, teaching dances from their own villages. A Bulgarian language class will also be offered, as well as optional evening social activities.

Bulgarian Folk Music & Dance Seminar
July 27, 2008 - August 2, 2008
Plovdiv, Bulgaria

http://www.folkseminarplovdiv.com/

A few things to note since last year’s Seminar:

1) We've added classes in accordion and clarinet that will focus on Bulgarian technique, styling and ornamentation.

2) We've extended the daytime schedule to better accommodate the hugely successful after-lunch folk presentations by revered Bulgarian masters and instrument makers.

Registration can be completed on-line. We are continuing our special 15% discount for EEFC members (this is another great reason to join the EEFC! www.eefc.org ). Students from past years have raved about their experiences at the Seminar. (You can read some of their comments on the website.) Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Larry Weiner
International Program Coordinator
2008 Bulgarian Folk Music & Dance Seminar, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
10206 Day Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.565.0539
Larry@Larryweiner.com

The International Folk Festival is organized by Folk group “Colle del Verdicchio” since 1978. This year at its 30th edition, and has had the honour of hosting Folk groups from around the world.

This year will participate groups from: Mexico, Russia, Colombia and Uganda, as well as from Italy and are awaiting other signers but we would be really happy and proud to have with us a group like you, if it possible, implement an exchange programme.

Michela Bastari
Artistic Director
Gruppo Folclorico
“Colle del Verdicchio”
Via Roma, 61
60039 STAFFOLO (AN)
Italy

The first international folklore danse festival under the name of “Cultural Mosaic”, in which more then 50 folk dance ensembles from Serbia , as well as all over the world will participate, will be held in Belgrade. International Festival organized by SUMADIJSKI OPANAK in Belgrade, Serbia.

Arrival August 1 afternoon, departure August 11 morning.

Programme :

Dancing from 9 to 12 AM and from 6 to 8 PM
Choreographer:Vladimir TANASIJEVIĆ
Artistic director of the Branko Krsmanović Ensemble and Boris DIMITROV, Balkanfolk Bulgaria, with Saša SMREKIĆ accordeonist, director of the traditional music orchestra Abrašević, Čačak

Music lessons: 2 hours in the morning 2 hours in the evening for violin, accordeon, gajda, kaval, tapan, frula (clarinet on demand).

Accommodation :

In the RUDNIK mountain resort situated about 95km from Belgrade in the village RUDNIK.
Full-board accommodation in 3 stars hotel Neda Zamid, full comfort.
Traditional SERBIAN cooking and home made specialities.


Afternoon and evening entertainment :

Afternoon will be free for swimming-pool, or for art-working in studio of weawing carpets and apron, painting technique from Byzantium period – icon painter studio, or for excursions.
Folklore nights with live music, songs and dance, meeting with a local folk group

Tours:

Three excursions: tour of the old village-museum mill, visit to the Oplenac – Church of st.George, mausoleum of the Karadjordjević dinasty, King Petar I, another visit to the traditional fair and famous brass band (trumpet) festival in Guca!

Climate:

During the summer hot days, in that part of year up to 35 C. Altitude of 520m induce very fresh and pleasant nights.
Mountain Rudnik is well known region in Serbia like
“ fresh and clean air spa”.
WELCOME TO SERBIA

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER ART ACADEMY

Let's all sing and compete in singing, let's all play and excel in playing, let's all dance and out dance.

Organized for seven consecutive time by “EUROGRADE” Ltd. and “EUROGRADE BG” Ltd. with the support of Primorsko Municipality.

From 07.06.2008 till 27.08.2008

Dear friends,

Company Pitagross invites you to take part in an International musical youth and children’s festivals, which will take place in Prague, Czech Republic.

Dates of the festivals:
03.08.2008 – 09.08.2008
03.11.2008. – 09.11.2008
01.12.2008 – 07.12.2008
03.01.2009 – 09.01.2009

In festivals can participate collectives of different genres: Academic and folk choirs, vocal groups, soloists, choreographic collectives, soloists of folk and modern dance, orchestras and string, wind and folk ensembles, folk groups and others.

During the festival every collective gets an opportunity to present their contest program and to gen an international diploma. Festival’s judges are honored figures of the Czech culture, teachers of leading musical and choreographic institutes of Prague.

Main characters of festivals - serious organizing approach, well worked excursion and entertainment program, infinitely warm welcome and festive mood.

Don’t be hesitating to ask questions. You may send your questions to the e-mail pitagross@email.cz or all our managers will be glad to pay attention to you.
Telephones:
+420608910515,
+420608910497,
+420608571267

We are looking forward to meeting you!

The 17th International Folk Festival will be held from 3 to 7 August, 2008 in the city of Varna, Bulgaria.

Dance ensembles for traditional and elaborated folklore may apply for the following two categories:
- Youth Ensembles over 15 years old
- Adults’ Ensembles
The ensembles wishing to participate in the 17th International Folk Festival - Varna 2008 should send a letter in English expressing their wish to participate in the Festival not later than 31 December 2007 to the address:

International Folk Festival
Culture Department
Varna Municipality
43, Osmi Primorski Polk, Blvd
9000 Varna
Bulgaria
tel./fax +359 52 659159

Dear friends,

Company Pitagross invites you to take part in an International musical youth and children’s festivals, which will take place in Prague, Czech Republic.

Dates of the festivals:
03.08.2008 – 09.08.2008
03.11.2008. – 09.11.2008
01.12.2008 – 07.12.2008
03.01.2009 – 09.01.2009

In festivals can participate collectives of different genres: Academic and folk choirs, vocal groups, soloists, choreographic collectives, soloists of folk and modern dance, orchestras and string, wind and folk ensembles, folk groups and others.

During the festival every collective gets an opportunity to present their contest program and to gen an international diploma. Festival’s judges are honored figures of the Czech culture, teachers of leading musical and choreographic institutes of Prague.

Main characters of festivals - serious organizing approach, well worked excursion and entertainment program, infinitely warm welcome and festive mood.

Don’t be hesitating to ask questions. You may send your questions to the e-mail pitagross@email.cz or all our managers will be glad to pay attention to you.
Telephones:
+420608910515,
+420608910497,
+420608571267

We are looking forward to meeting you!