about us

The Bulgarian Chamber Orchestra Orpheus was founded in 1975 by Raicho Christov, its conductor, as a string chamber orchestra. At its 30th anniversary last year, the orchestra now has almost all of the significant compositions for chamber orchestra in its repertoire, including music from the Baroque to the 21st Century. Based in the splendid Cultural Palace in Pernik (near Sofia), the string orchestra performs an annual winter/spring programme, as well as regularly touring in Europe.

The orchestra occasionally engages wind players to provide variety in their programming, and collaborates with many eminent soloists from Bulgaria and abroad, who add to the vitality of their concerts. One aim of the orchestra is to support the works of their own national composers. This picturesque music, originating from the Orthodox church and from their unique Bulgarian folklore, presents an individual and ancient culture to their European audiences. This aim is set aside their predilection for embracing new music, which includes new Bulgarian music, and premiering many new chamber pieces from leading European composers.

During its concert activity, the chamber orchestra has received honours in Bulgaria and abroad, which have strengthened its reputation and advanced its development. These honours include:

• receiving a diploma at the International Contest for Orchestras (1976) under the name of Herbert Von Karjan in Berlin.
  
• commercial recordings at "Balkanton", Kreuzberg Records Berlin, Antes Edition Germany, and at Nimbus Records in the UK.
  
• appearing on Bulgarian Radio and Television.

• receiving an award (2005) from the City of Pernik for their contribution to the arts.

• receiving the 'golden lyre' award from the Musicians Union of Bulgaria on 31st October, 2006 at the Bulgarian Hall, Sofia.

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