Our 2025 Balkan Tour

It's time! Only four of the current Dunava singers were on our unforgettable trip to Bulgaria in 2014. That was over ten years ago! On that trip we learned how invaluable it is to travel to the source of our music, sing with local choirs, learn from expert teachers and performers, and witness the context of the songs we're singing. If we want to celebrate and perform the music of the Balkans authentically, we need to go to the Balkans. So -- Dunava Tour 2025 is in the works! 

Belgrade, Serbia

We'll start off in Serbia, where we will study with two masters of folklore singing: Sanja Ranković, Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology at the University of Arts in Belgrade; and Svetlana Spajić,  widely renowned singer and teacher of Serbian folklore. 

Pazardzhik, Bulgaria

We'll return to the hometown of our teacher and mentor, Tzvetanka Varimezova, to study with her and perform in a concert with the Pazardzhik Ensemble Choir and visiting Danish choir Usmifka

Varna, Bulgaria

Varna by the sea! We will meet up with Dr. Ana Borisova (Assistant Professor at University of Veliko Tarnovo), who we met in Seattle a few years back. We are excited to get some individual coaching and feedback from her! 

Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria

The real reason for going to Bulgaria this year: The biggest folk festival happens only every five years! We will see performances of amateur choirs and dance ensembles from all over the country, and we hope to perform in the town square on the stage reserved for performers from abroad.

Those are our plans so far -- more is in the works! 

In order to pay for airfare, in-country transportation, and all those lessons and workshops, we need to raise some money!

A grant is in the works, and we'll know by the end of April if it'll cover half of our expenses for Koprivshtitsa. Fingers crossed!

Our fundraising goal:  $10,000

Some cost break-downs:

• One hour of lessons or workshop for the choir: $100
• One flight from Belgrade to Sofia: $110
• One shared hotel room per night (average cost): $50 ($500 for the whole choir)
• One bus trip per person within Bulgaria: $25 ($2500 for the whole choir)
• Airfare from Seattle to Belgrade (round-trip): $1500 per person 

If you can make a tax-deductible charitable donation to our cause, we will be eternally grateful!

How to donate:

• Click on the PayPal button below*
• Write a check to "Radost Folk Ensemble", earmarked "Dunava tour", and mail it to
  Dunava, 1919 113th Pl SE, Everett, WA 90208
• Come to our fundraising party! We'll be singing at the Russian Center in Seattle on May 16, and the newest hottest Balkan brass band Sina Roza will play in support. Bring your dancing shoes and cash / checks / credit cards! 

* We are part of the Radost Folk Ensemble, so your receipt will come from them. 

• $50: We'll send you a postcard from our trip! (Please tell us your mailing address!)
• $100: We'll reserve two comp tickets to a future Dunava concert
• $250: We'll record a personalized birthday song to a recipient of your choice (Please tell us the name, birthday, and e-mail address) (yes, this could just be for you!) 
• $500: We'll sing at your party or house concert!