News - Sweden, Stockholm, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria

For yet another year, Bulgaria took part in the traditional Christmas concert in the Swedish capital, organized jointly by the European Commission Representation in Sweden, the embassies, and national cultural institutes of 23 EU Member States. The event once again embodied the cultural diversity of Europe and by tradition, it included a charity initiative in support of UNICEF's work with children in crisis regions around the world. The concert was greeted with festive cheer by over 700 guests at the Adolf Fredrik Church, who enjoyed a variety of Christmas songs in the languages of the participating countries.

At the embassy’s initiative, Bulgaria participated in this year's concert with a performance by the musician Mihail Dinchev. He performed two Bulgarian folk songs associated with Christmas – "A young maiden is sweeping the yard" and "A young maiden grew upset". Both songs have been preserved in Bulgarian cultural tradition through generations and are often performed by various Bulgarian musical ensembles, including the Bulgarian National Radio Mixed Choir and the Philip Kutev State Folk Ensemble.

Mihail Dinchev is a musician, producer, and teacher specializing in Bulgarian folk music and dance. Born and raised in Vidin, he currently lives in Stockholm, where he plays traditional Bulgarian and Balkan folk music in groups such as the Lele Lele Orchestra, Trio Ravnogor, The European Friendship Orchestra, and others. His main instrument is the Bulgarian tambura, but he also sings and plays the drum. Mikhail graduated in rhythmics from the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and specialized in Bulgarian folk music, singing, and dance at the Prof. Asen Diamandiev Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts in Plovdiv.

The Embassy would like to express its special gratitude to Mikhail Dinchev for his enthusiasm and willingness to present Bulgarian folk music to foreign audiences.