Oral History: Neli Andreeva - Traditional Songs from Bulgaria

Master traditional Bulgarian singer Neli Andreeva was born 1976 in Asenovgrad. She grew up in the resort of Narechen in the majestic Rhodope Mountains. There she learned her first folk songs from her grandmother and mother. Neli graduated from the music school for folk instruments and singing in the village of Shiroka Laka in 1995. Neli Andreeva is renowned for her stirring interpretations of her native Rhodope region. She is a soloist as well as choirmaster of the Philip Koutev Folklore Ensemble, and has also been artistic director of the Nusha vocal ensemble. Followers of Bulgarian folk music invariably associate her name with the songs "Malka moma" and “Kozhilyo,” as well as many others which have brought her worldwide recognition. For transcript and more information, visit https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-10211