Kiril Stefanov

Blagoevgrad, 1933 - 2005

Kiril Stefanov is among the most important representatives of Bulgarian choral art. He completed his studies at the State Academy of Music in Sofia in 1956 with a degree in choral conducting. The same year he was appointed Musical Director of the Pirin State Ensemble for Music and Dance in Blagoevgrad. As the director of the Pirin Ensemble, he created a unique approach to the performance of folk music by introducing it as a form of musical theater. The concept proved highly innovative, adding the element of drama to the performances, and has become popular with other folk ensembles.

In addition to his work as a choral conductor he is active as a teacher. At present he is professor of choral conducting at the Neofit Rilsky South-Western University in Blagoevgrad, where he specializes in the problems of vocal production in folk song.

Stefanov has been the recipient of numerous awards for his recordings and publications, among which is a "Gold Record" from the city of Nashville, Tennessee, in 1982, and a "Gold Record" from Balkanton in 1983.