The Trio Bulgarka

Trio Bulgarka (also known as Three Golden Coins, previously known as Bulgarka Folk Trio) is a Bulgarian vocal ensemble.
The Trio Bulgarka: A Musical Biography
If you’re a fan of world music, it’s likely that you’ve heard of The Trio Bulgarka. This Bulgarian all-female vocal group has been active for over four decades and has played a significant role in introducing Bulgarian folk music to the world. In this blog post, we’ll take a deeper look into the biography of The Trio Bulgarka, explore their musical genre, discuss some of their best songs, and look back at their famous concerts.
The Trio Bulgarka was formed in 1975 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The group consists of singers Stoyanka Boneva, Yanka Rupkina, and Eva Georgieva. The group gained fame in the early 1980s as the backing vocalists for the acclaimed Bulgarian singer, songwriter, and composer, Valya Balkanska. Their collaboration on her song Izlel e Delyu Haydutin introduced the unique sound of Bulgarian folk music to the world.
The Trio Bulgarka specializes in traditional Bulgarian folk music which is characterized by complex harmonies, wide vocal range, and the use of odd time signatures. The group’s vocal style features yelps, hoarse notes, and other vocal flourishes that give Bulgarian folk music its distinctive sound. The Trio Bulgarka has been credited with popularizing Bulgarian folk music throughout the world and has collaborated with artists such as Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, and the Bulgarian composer, Stefan Dragostinov.
The Trio Bulgarka is best known for their haunting harmonies and unique arrangements of traditional Bulgarian folk songs. Some of their best-known songs include Erghen Diado, Malka Moma Dvori Mete, and Pilentzata Pustosenka. Their music is characterized by intricate vocal melodies that are overlaid against each other, resulting in a haunting and mesmerizing sound. Many of their songs evoke a sense of nostalgia, as they explore themes of love, loss, and longing.
The Trio Bulgarka has performed in some of the most famous concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Sydney Opera House. Their concerts are known for their high energy and emotional intensity. The Trio Bulgarka is celebrated for connecting cultures and bringing world music to the forefront. In particular, their collaboration with Peter Gabriel on his albums So and Passion brought their unique sound to the mainstream.
In conclusion, The Trio Bulgarka has made a tremendous impact in the world of world music. Their unique vocal harmonies combined with traditional Bulgarian folk music have captured the hearts and ears of listeners around the world. Their collaborations with well-known artists have helped to further popularize their genre. If you’re a fan of world music, and haven’t listened to The Trio Bulgarka yet, you’re in for a treat. Take some time to explore their discography and experience the haunting beauty of traditional Bulgarian folk music.