The recording of the TRAKIA Ensemble holds a particular place in the series of CDs of the best Bulgarian folk ensembles released by GEGA NEW.
At first glance, the TRAKIA Ensemble continues the tradition of the best formations: its repertoire is based on authentic folk songs, tunes and dances from all over Bulgaria, the orchestra is traditional, the music and dance material has been interpreted by famous artists who also work with other folk groups.
And still, with the very first bars the listener hears, there comes a surprise: a sparkling choir, a virtuoso and aggressive orchestra and, before all, an interpretation of songs we all know but seem to discover for the first time! The merit of art director and conductor Stefan Moutafchiev in this respect is invaluable. A man of unique musical thinking he was never after outer effects but rather subjected his work with the ensemble to his deep conviction that today the Bulgarian folklore should be developed and enriched by those expressive devices that prevail in 20th-century world music.
Of course, in his creative efforts Moutafchiev was immensely facilitated by each and every performer of the TRAKIA Ensemble. All of them have graduated from the folk-music schools in Kotel and Shiroka Luka, or the Academy for Music and Dance Art in Plovdiv. And all of them, art director and performers, have been united by a common aesthetic idea.