Continuing Training
BULGARIAN SONGS, DANCES, AND MUSIC
• PLOVDIV • BULGARIA
Prof. Milena Jeliazkova – vocals
Prof. Vladimir Vladimirov – instruments
Prof. Galya Petrova-Kirkova – vocals
Prof. Anton Andonov – dance
In partnership with the Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts
OBJECTIVE
On-site learning of Bulgarian monophonic and polyphonic songs in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
ERASMUS+ ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To participate in this training and benefit from the ERASMUS+ program, you must meet one of the following criteria:
– have job seeker status
– be recognized as a person with a disability
– receive minimum social benefits
Each situation is unique, and we take into account individual profiles in accordance with the required criteria.
For more information, please contact us at: contact@iimm.fr
LEARNING PROGRAM AND MISSIONS
1/ Learning and performance of traditional Bulgarian songs from various regions
The participant will study traditional Bulgarian songs from a range of regions (Pirin-Macedonia, Thrace, Rhodopes, Sévernyachka, Dobroudja, Chopsko). Special emphasis will be placed on adapting to specific rhythmic patterns and mastering the use of drone. Polyphonic arrangement will be encouraged when possible. Performing these songs in unison or in diaphony (two-part harmony) will be central to this activity. The participant will be expected to demonstrate proper posture and vocal control throughout.
2/ Learning to analyze and apply traditional Bulgarian musical structures: from theory to interpretation
The participant will study traditional Bulgarian pieces by analyzing their musical structure, rhythms, modes, and ornamentation. This theoretical analysis will be followed by faithful reproduction of the studied elements. The goal is for the participant to be able to explain the stylistic and technical choices used in the piece and to apply them in their own interpretations and professional performances.
3/ Study of the different diaphonic regions & the various drone variants :
Part of the training will focus on studying the different diaphonic regions. The learner will be asked to experiment with arranging according to the rules of these regions, while incorporating certain elements of Bulgarian music, and adapting the voices to the needs of a group formed at random. Active listening exercises will also be included to refine the ability to internalize and respond musically.
4/ Work on vocal coordination and breathing
The participant will engage in targeted sessions focusing on breath control, body posture, and vocal coordination. Practical exercises will strengthen the ability to sing independently while maintaining vocal agility and flexibility. The activity will also include breathing techniques designed to improve vocal output and air control—essential skills for effectively using traditional modal systems.
5/ Learning traditional Bulgarian dances
Since sung rhythms are closely tied to dance, the participant will also engage in traditional Bulgarian dance. This will support the development of coordination skills and an active posture in space, further enhancing rhythmic understanding and body awareness.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 1: Visit to the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts in Plovdiv
The participant will visit the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts in Plovdiv. The visit will offer insight into the educational facilities and research projects related to traditional and cultural music. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with various instructors specializing in singing, dance, and instrumental music. The added value of this visit lies in gaining a perspective on how this ancestral knowledge is taught and transmitted within an academic context.
ACTIVITY 2: Observation and analysis of classes by regular students at the Academy
The participant will attend a concert featuring both instructors and Bulgarian students from the Academy. They will analyze the performers’ interpretation, technique, and interaction with the audience. Notes will be taken on both artistic and technical aspects, and the participant will share their observations in a group discussion. The aim is to develop critical listening skills and identify elements that can be applied to their own musical practice. A written or oral report will be used to assess their analysis and understanding of the concert.
ACTIVITY 3: Visit to the Ethnographic Museum of Plovdiv
A wonderful way to immerse oneself in the history of Plovdiv and times past, the Ethnographic Museum offers a valuable opportunity to view an exceptional collection of traditional Bulgarian instruments and authentic period costumes.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
This training is primarily open to students enrolled in the program and experienced singers who meet the ERASMUS+ eligibility criteria. A good ear and accurate singing pitch are essential.
REGISTER NOW
>> ONLINE REGISTRATION <<
>> FEES AND REGISTRATION DETAILS <<
VIDEO EXCERPTS
https://youtu.be/exccAHaIBVg
https://youtu.be/Q0P4nazMgW8
BIOGRAPHY
Bulgarian and French citizen, Milena JELIAZKOVA began her studies in piano and voice at the age of six with Kristina Boeva, emeritus professor at the Academy of Musical Arts of Plovdiv. At the same time, she took lessons in traditional Bulgarian singing and dance with her mother, a singer and dancer in the “Ensemble Trakiya.” After eight years of both classical and traditional training in her home country, she became involved in France with BALKANES, an a cappella Bulgarian polyphony quartet, focusing on traditional Bulgarian singing and the world of Slavic and Byzantine sacred music. Milena has been singing since 1997 in this all-female a cappella ensemble, performing in France, Switzerland, Italy, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Germany, and the USA.
Her eclectic musical tastes have led her to a growing interest in the traditional songs of the world and the various singing techniques associated with them.
In 2006, she created the project KËF – elektro Balkans with Jean-Pierre Caporossi and Tony Canton. Milena has also been singing for 15 years with the Henri AGNEL Company, which explores Mediterranean medieval and contemporary repertoires and tours in France and abroad.
In 2017, she co-founded the SIBYLLES TRIO with Françoise ATLAN and Milena ROUDEVA, and in 2019 “MUSTAAR,” a duo of voices and percussion, with Malik ADDA. In the same year, she was chosen by Simon-Pierre BESTION, founder and artistic director of the Company LA TEMPÊTE, as a soloist in traditional singing for his creation “Prophète(s)/Jérusalem,” commissioned by the Festival de Saint-Denis and the Basilica of Vézelay.
In 2020, the BALKANES quartet, of which she is the driving force, was selected by ANDRÉ MANOUKIAN to sing on the famous jazz musician’s new CD and to tour with him starting in 2022.
In February 2021, the DUO SOURCIÈRES, featuring women’s songs from the East and West, was born, with Els JANSSENS-VANMUNSTER, singer and artistic director of the Ensemble MORA VOCIS.
Milena composes and arranges for all these ensembles, co-leads vocal workshops for all audiences in France, Italy, and Switzerland, teaches Bulgarian singing at the International Institute of World Music (iimm.fr), and offers vocal and stage coaching for both beginner and experienced singers (graduated from Harmoniques, Paris).
Discography:
BALKANES “Ochté,” 2003
BALKANES “Kœsmet,” 2012
Cie HENRI AGNEL “Los Kaminos,” 2014
BALKANES “Séfarades,” 2016
A. MANOUKIAN “Anouch,” 2022
Publications:
“La Bulgare,” novel, Hello Editions, 2022