Orchestras

Sofia Mandolinists

CONTACT:

Plamen Maslev
Nadejda Bl. 304 E
1229 Sofia
Bulgaria
Tel & Fax: +359 (0) 2 375639

EMAIL

The orchestra "Sofia Mandolinists" was founded in 1968 by the leading Bulgarian musician Ivan Maslev who's still conducting it. At this moment the orchestra consists of 23 musicians and the unique formation lists; 1 flute, 1 oboe, 8 mandolins, 4 mandolas, 2 violoncellos, 1 harp (or mandoloncello), 2 accordions, 2 guitars, 1 double bass and 1 berde (this is a special mandolin bass).

The repertoire consists of orchestral miniatures, Italian canzonets, Spanish songs, Russian folk songs and romances and many others. All pieces are presented as special arrangements for "Sofia Mandolinists". The orchestra has made more than 10 albums and CD's, including collaboration with companies such as "Decca", and works with soloists as the famous bass Nikolai Ghiaurov. It has given many concerts and concert tours in Bulgaria and abroad, winning many prizes, including eight first places from orchestra festivals in Bulgaria and abroad as well as the Prize of Honour from the municipality in Puenteareas, Spain. The orchestra works with soloists from The National Opera Sofia, with famous internationally known Bulgarian singers and also with foreign soloists .

REVIEWS

"The full concert hall and the temperamental and brilliant performance led to the repetition of the concert, a phenomenon rarely observed in our concert life."

................."Bulgarian Music " Magazine

"I have never heard a more penetrating and inspiring performance of Russian music."

.................Boris Hristov ( a world-famous opera bass)

"One extraordinary evening of the Italian music . A repertoire, excellently matched and presented by Ivan Maslev , the orchestra conductor , who for over 20 years handled it brilliantly under his baton and who enjoyed a long and flourishing career during which at any time he gained acclaim."

............"El Progreso" ( Spain)

"The "Sofia Mandolinists" orchestra is not only in dialogue with the soloist but is a colourful background for the melodious Italian canzonets. The sound is clear, giving a sensation of air and space.

.............."Fatherland journal "
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