Ever since it was founded Pirin Ensemble – Blagoevgrad (1954) has made a reputation with its original program and remarkable stage performance. Today, more that 50 years later, Pirin is still one of the leading folk ensembles in Bulgaria. It has performed before more that 6 million people at home and abroad and in 60 countries in all continents of the world.
The review published in the Events newspaper (Hayward, USA) is indicative of the art of the ensemble: “The abundant splendor of Pirin – the Bulgarian folk ensemble, enthralled the hearts of the audience in Europe, Africa and Asia, and now in America, during its glorious triumphant tour. Presenting a country’s picturesque heritage – with its thrilling choreography, breathtaking songs and beautiful costumes, Pirin created a theatrical performance, which is an expression of the charm and wonder of Bulgaria.”
The ensemble has received many awards such as the Golden Record in Nashville in 1982, the Grammy Award for participation in the second album of Marcel Cellier Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares in 1990, awards from the International Festivals in Carthage (1965), etc.
The great success of the ensemble is mainly due to Prof. Kiril Stefanov – Chief Artistic Director and conductor of the ensemble from 1956 to 2005, a composer, conductor, and a brilliant manager. After him the management of the ensemble was undertaken by young and ambitions musicians, who succeeded in preserving its popularity - the Chief Artistic Director Dimitar Hristov and the conductor of the orchestra Petyo Krastev.
The ensemble’s folk orchestra is just as famous as its choir and dance formation. Its participation in the ensemble’s productions is of utmost importance not only when it performs as a part of the ensemble, but also when it gives concerts on its own. This makes its repertoire very rich and varied.
