Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Remembering Marcel Cellier, discoverer of "The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices"

Marcel and Catherine Cellier
Photo: library

Ten years ago today, Swiss ethno-musicologist and music producer Marcel Cellier (1925-2013) passed away. He left behind a bright mark in the history of Bulgarian music in this country and around the world. Marcel Cellier and his wife Catherine devoted a large part of their lives to Bulgarian folklore - love that dates back to the middle of the 20th century, when they first heard Bulgarian folk songs broadcast on BNR. It was music that captivated them and linked their lives with "the mystery of Bulgarian voices", the archives of the BNR recall. This is the person who presented to the world the performances of the Ensemble for Folk Songs of the Bulgarian Radio, which became famous around the globe under the name "The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices".

Marcel Cellier began cooperation with the Bulgarian National Radio by purchasing recordings for a radio broadcast in Switzerland dedicated to Bulgarian choral singing. The 30-minute radio shows were broadcast once a month from 1960 to 1990. "The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices," as Catherine Cellier called the show, became a trademark. In 1975, the first album under the title "The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices" emerged. The second album under the same title was awarded a "Grammy" in the category "Best Traditional Folk Recording" for 1989.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Weather forecast: Temperatures continue to go up

It will be sunny on Monday. There will be light to moderate southerly and southwesterly wind and temperatures will continue to go up. The lowest temperatures in most places will range from minus 2°C to 3°C, around 1°C in Sofia. The maximum..

published on 3/9/25 5:20 PM

Bulgaria considers introducing a fine for people using a mobile phone on a pedestrian crossing

Citizens who cross at a pedestrian crossing while holding a mobile phone will be fined, according to proposed legislative changes. According to Chief Inspector Lachezar Bliznakov from the "Traffic Police", the sanction will apply to both those..

published on 3/9/25 4:28 PM

Sofia University opens its doors for prospective students

An Open Doors Day is being held at the Rectorate of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski". It is organized by the Students’ Council of the Sofia University. Prospective students can familiarize themselves with the programs offered by the 16..

published on 3/9/25 3:56 PM