The Embroidery is the name of the concert that on 4 December is going to mark the 65th anniversary of the National Palace of Children in Sofia. Why The Embroidery? Radio Bulgaria talked to Marek Dyakov, composer, conductor and instrumentalist who works as rehearsal pianist of Budniche Ensemble at the Palace, teacher at the accordion school there and conductor of Gotse Delchev ensemble.

“The Embroidery is a title that should suggest the Bulgarian signature, the national presence. The whole music frame of the concert, all its music and dance numbers are based on Bulgarian folklore. So we agreed that this title is apt at capturing this diversity and specific colour.”

Asked about what has been key during this period of 65 years, National Palace of Children CEO Tatiana Doseva says that it is above all love for children. Currently, the Palace trains 2200 children in various groups and skills. More than 20,000 children per annum visit the centre of children’s creativity. More from Mrs Doseva:

„The National Palace of Children celebrates its 65th anniversary with many new activities and with an annual program. One highlight of celebrations though will be a unique production. The show is unique in that talented composers Marek Dyakov and Lubomir Denev Jr., conductor of Pioneer Philharmonic, have composed music for it. The music will be performed by Pioneer Philharmonic and our dancers will make an appearance. The concert will close with a joint performance of the choirs at the National Palace of Children with alumni of the Palace”.

The show will also feature guest-performers Kostadin Genchev - shepherd’s flute, and Petko Kostadinov – bagpipe, soloists of the Bulgarian National Radio Folk Orchestra and Gotse Delchev Ensemble – Sofia. The National Palace of Children celebrates its 65th anniversary but it is eternally young. What is its role in the cultural life of the capital city?

„It does play an important role in both the capital’s and the nation’s cultural life. The National Palace of Children is committed to supporting in methodical terms the whole network of centres for vocational training across Bulgaria. Recently, our road show The Magical World of Angel Karaliychev visited the United Children’s Center in Pernik, and similar centres in Blagoevgrad and Strazhitsa,” Tatiana Doseva says.

Third-grade pupil Kristian is one of the children of the National Palace of Children:

„I am nine years old and I have been dancing at Budniche Ensemble for five years. I dance folk dances because I like them a lot and I love to learn new skills. I am very excited and I want to dance at the anniversary concert."

Finally, best anniversary wishes from Mario Dyakov:

„Let the Palace of Children be so very much loved by children in the future too. Children should open its doors with desire and affection. I wish my colleagues to have the trust of parents as has always been the case!”

And from Tatiana Doseva:

„I hope the Palace never will grow old and will turn 650 years one day. I hope there will always be many children here and many good, competent and responsive teachers! Well, I hope there will always be such good attitude from the public, and let us hope we have more money for our projects too!”

English version Daniela Konstantinova