Internationally renowned vocal ensemble Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares blend traditional songs with contemporary arrangements. Formerly known as the Bulgarian State Radio & Television Female Vocal Choir, the group was created in Bulgaria by Philip Koutev, aka ‘the father of Bulgarian concert folk music.’ It was the release of Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares Vol.1 in the 1986 on 4AD records that brought the choir to the attention of the wider world. The Observer wrote about the release; “When this thrilling, spine-tingling soundtrack first struck Western ears, back in 1986, the effect seemed almost frightening in its intensity, like a Greek tragedy. The women's voices combine in a haunting mixture of harshness and purity, the very opposite of the Western notion of a ladies' choir although many of them were, in fact, members of the Women's Chorus of Bulgarian State Radio. This is not simple folk music. The songs themselves are ancient, mostly dating from the years of Turkish domination, but shaped and refined over the years by the singers themselves, working with some of Bulgaria's leading composers. If you have not yet experienced the mystery of Bulgarian voices, don't let the chance pass by.”
Now conducted by Dora Hristova, the Grammy Award-winning ensemble have toured the globe to great acclaim, carving a distinctive voice within the rich heritage of Bulgaria’s folk song. Following a sold-out tour last year, the choir return to the UK to play a special one-off London concert in September (as part of the Barbican’s Transcender Festival), before going on to tour the country in October 2011.