site.bta“Soul of the Bulgarians”: Pittsburgh-Based Bulgarian Dance Ensemble Celebrates 70 Years with Tour in Bulgaria
The Otets Paisii ensemble for traditional Bulgarian dances performed a vibrant concert at Sofia’s Iskar Culture House on June 19, 2025. The ensemble is part of the Bulgarian-Macedonian National Educational and Cultural Center (BMNECC) based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Their Thursday evening event marked the second stop on a tour of Bulgaria, celebrating the ensemble’s 70th anniversary.
Speaking to BTA, Nikolay Nedev, Vice President of BMNECC, highlighted the ensemble’s multicultural makeup: about 60% of the dancers are not ethnic Bulgarians.
Nedev expressed pride in promoting Bulgarian culture through the ensemble’s work. “I live in Pittsburgh and, as a member and vice president of BMNECC, I feel proud to represent Bulgarian culture and folklore arts,” Nedev said. “Our members have roots in Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Ukraine, the U.S., and other countries,” he said. “This tour is especially meaningful because it shows foreigners the warm reception of Bulgarian audiences and gives them a chance to experience our beautiful country.”
Under the evocative title “Soul of the Bulgarians,” the Thursday concert showcased traditional songs and dances from Bulgaria’s Pirin region. The performance featured not only the Otets Paisii ensemble but also the folk groups Slavey and Zornitsa. The evening concluded with a powerful joint performance of the patriotic song “De e Bulgaria” [Where is Bulgaria?].
Founded in 1955, Otets Paisii has grown into a diverse cultural institution and was one of the founders of the Pittsburgh International Festival. The ensemble includes over 50 members, with 23% born in Bulgaria and 46% having direct Bulgarian heritage.
Their ongoing tour kicked off on June 16 and will run through June 22, featuring multiple concerts and educational activities. On June 17, they performed in Blagoevgrad, collaborating with local groups Pirinche, Vihren, and Pirinska Kitka. The final concert will take place at the Summer Theater in Nessebar on June 21, alongside the local art school. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev will attend the event and present the ensemble with the Presidential Honorary Badge in recognition of their significant contribution to preserving and promoting Bulgarian folk art, fostering cultural exchange, and enhancing Bulgaria’s cultural presence worldwide.
The musical event at Iskar Culture House was supported by Balkanfolk, reflecting a strong collaboration within the Bulgarian cultural community.
/NF/
Additional
news.modal.image.header
news.modal.image.text
news.modal.download.header
news.modal.download.text
news.modal.header
news.modal.text