Folklore ensemble “Madara” started its activity more than 60 years ago in the large town of Shumen in the northeast of Bulgaria. Up to the present day the ensemble demonstrates its pronounced presence in Bulgaria and many other countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and America.
The folklore formation consists of soloists, a choir, an orchestra and a dancing group. In synthesis of sound shades, unique rhythms, graceful movements and exuberant artistic art the ensemble is subordinated to luxuriant imagination and wild, violent temperament bursting with enchanting beauty and spirit.
The repertoire, musical and dancing, deals with themes and stylistics of the richest folklore regions in Bulgaria which makes it national.
The most prominent choreographers and composers work for the ensemble like Prof.Dr.N.Kaufman, Prof. K.Stefanov, I.Vulev, Prof. K. Dzhenev, Academician M.Goleminov, Reader M.Vasilev, M.Koutev, T.Bekirski, G. Hristov as well as the art directors themselves.
The stage fascination of the ensemble is connected also with the extreme contribution of the different splendid national costumes from all folklore regions in Bulgaria.
Ensemble “Madara” is a winner of the most prestigious order for cultural achievements “St.St. Kiril and Metodii” - first class. It is a laureate at the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth republican Festivals as well as a bearer of a lot of golden medals. It is a winner of the special prizes at the Carnaval of Flowers in Debretsen- Hungary, at the Balkan Festival in Ohrid - Macedonia, of the big prize at the competition in Kartagen - Tunisia, of the big prize at the competition in Chateauneuf de Foy - France and ect.
Concert tours have been carried out in Hungary, Greece, Poland, Macedonia, Germany, Russia, the Ukraine, Iraq, Tunisia, France, Ecuador, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the U.S.A., Spain, Turkey and other countries.
A great number of records have been realized at the Bulgarian National Television, Bulgarian National Radio, as well as a long-play stereo record, audio-cassette, CD and DVD.
From January 2011 the general art director is Aneta Mutafchieva, an young and talented folklore specialist. She is a daughter of the previous Director maestro Assen Mutaftchiev. Mr. Mutaftchiev is awarded with specials Diploma and Medal in token of world-wide acknowledgment according to exceptional deserts as a musician- pedagogue, composer and conductor nominated and included into the world - wide encyclopaedia “2000 Outstanding musician of the 20th Century” published from International Biographical Centre, Cambridge - England. For 2010 he is awarded with the prize “Oscar del folklore” in Sicilia/ Italy.
Choreographer of the ensemble is Boris Ivanov and Concert-Maestro is Stoyan Alexandov.
Folklore ensemble “Madara” is an authoritative formation with a definitely leading place in the Bulgarian national culture. Ardently, with the same dignity, it stands up for its brilliant international presence all over the world in the four cardinal points.
Folk ensemble “Madara” is composed from choir, orchestra and dance group. The repertoire - musical and dancing, deals with themes and stylistics of the richest folklore regions in Bulgaria which makes it national.The stage fascination of the ensemble is connected also with the extreme contribution of the of the different own splendid national costumes from all folklore regions in Bulgaria.
The concert program can be composed from different parts - orchestra, solo singers, duets, trios, quartets and choir in non-measured melodies. In relation to the dance performance can be also composed from chambers or at great length with different continuation. Each dance is with special national costume. Every year the repertoire is renovating and the ensemble is with new topical and original performance shape. To the choir repertoire are includes more than 20 foreign songs, that are always pleasantly surprised to the audience.
