FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tribute to Bulgarian composer Petko Staynov (1896-1977)
May 25, 2010 at Weill Hall, Carnegie Hall, 8PM.
Inaugural Concert of Preeminent Bulgarian Composer Petko Staynov’s Compositions -A Fusion of the Symphonic Tradition and Bulgarian Folklore.
April 27, 2010 – New York, NY. Classical music composer Petko Staynov is a legend in his native Bulgaria where his work was seminal in establishing a classical symphonic tradition. Written during the first half of the 20th century, Staynov’s symphonies were the first to masterfully synthesize Western classical music with Bulgarian folklore. Academician and composer Dobri Christov sites Staynov’s early compositions as “the beginning of national symphonic music” in Bulgaria.
Staynov laid the foundation for Bulgaria’s now world-renowned choral music tradition, and traveled around the country establishing local choirs. His choral songs and ballads are still among the preferred repertoire of Bulgarian choirs performing in Bulgaria and abroad.
Blind since the age of eleven, Staynov infused his music with vivid—almost visual—imagery. He shunned purely abstract sound to create colorful and evocative thematic compositions. Staynov’s compositions resonate deeply with Bulgaria’s ethnically diverse population.
Staynov held numerous appointments, such as Chair of the Union of Composers, and Director of the National Opera and prioritized music education.
Staynov’s vision, initiative, and creativity – qualities that made him unique among peers – make him relevant to a diverse contemporary American audience. This concert is a special opportunity to hear this unique composer’s work.
For the purposes of this concert, Plamen Djourov transcribed three movements of the Symphonic suite Fairy Tale for performance by an octet. The Thracian Dances (1925/26) have been arranged for a chamber orchestra. Two septets, Legend (1915) and Fantasy (1916), will complete the orchestral works. The vocal works include two early pieces (Night, To My Sad Brother) and three vocal quartets (Hey Yana, It is Dear to Me, A Pine Tree is Bending.) Additionally, a children’s choir will perform four songs: Moon, My Native Village, Stream, and Before the Summer Holiday.
This concert is being held under the auspices of the St. Cyril and St. Methodius International Foundation and the Petko Gruev Staynov Foundation. Another concert will be held at the Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C on May 27th, 2010.
For tickets, please contact Isabel Stainow Wilcox: info@petkostaynovmusic.com.
Website: www.petkostaynovmusic.com.
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