9 Page 12-The Michigan Daily- Wednesday, April 25,1990 Voices rise in Bulgarian women' by Jennifer Rosen s music grow B ULGARIA is a land not much larger than Ohio, but its geographic size is irrelevant when one considers cultural diversity. Each region of Bulgaria has its own representative music, food and clothing. When cer- tain aspects of all these locations are brought together, beautiful things can happen. A case in point is the traditional folk music performed by the Bulgarian State Female Vocal Choir. The Choir, consisting of 24 singers, brings together traditional costumes and folklore of the various regions. The music does not resem- ble anything that exists in the realm Of popular music today. The history of Bulgarian vocal choirs goes back to the 1950s. A dhoir by the name of the Koutev ensemble put out a record in 1955 balled Music of Bulgaria. This al- lum has held the interest of a large rumber of musicians: performers such as George Harrison, David Byrne and Paul Simon are just a few who have claimed this Bulgarian sound as one of the best ever. The %950s album was the first but cer- tainly not the last and many choir groups have emerged from that ba- sis, the Bulgarian State Female Vo- cal Choir being one. Out of the capital city of Sophia, this Choir gives an ancient folkloric sound a modern twist, resulting in a sophisticated, eerie, mysterious and spiritual sound. Their first big suc- cess came with Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares, an album that gained much praise and recognition and provoked the creation of a Volume II, which received a Grammy this year. The music is interesting be- cause it is unique in its sound. It is in a class by itself and it speaks loudly for both Bulgaria and women. Le Mystere's powerful sound is representative of the strength of these women. The singers' voices are moving and full, filling the air with robust and vigorous aspira- tions. This music conveys the strong role that women play in Bul- garian society. Historically, women were the primary gathering and working members of the family. They provided the food by farming and gathering, while the men were shepherds. Women were the singers nystery s from tradition because their hands were occupied and could not play instruments, and the men, who had free hands, ac- companied the voices of the women. The songs' lyrics express work- ing and living conditions. They orig- inally came about as a way to pass time and provide a pleasurable aspect to a day's work. The Bulgarian State Female Vo- cal Choir is rooted in this cultural history. The singers perform along with four male musicians who use traditional instruments such as a gaida (Bulgarian bagpipe), a tambura and a kavala. The lyrics and music are basically the same as what has been heard throughout Bulgaria for ages. The sound is unique and ap- pealing, and recommended for any- one interested in music. THE BULGARIAN STATE FE- MALE VOCAL CHOIR is perform- ing tonight at 8 p.m. at the Michigan Theater. Tickets are $19.50. The Bulgarian State Female and its sequel. The group is Vocal Choir hit the big time with the smash album Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares on tour now in America, with a stop at the Michigan Theater tonight. tIiE £i Uli au t au Come join us for May 5th. 9:00 am until 4:00 pm Extensive buffet, full-service bar and the ambiance of The University Club. Call 763-5911 for reservations We're filling up fast! Attention Advertisers!!! r The Michigan Daily's last publication will be Wednesday, April 25, 1990 We will be publishing every Wednesday during the {- Spring and Summer terms. 4. 4- OUMMEQ o U UD aooo AN I0uQ 41 Obtain practical business experience while receiving top pay. Positions available in the downtown Detroit area and surrounding suburbs. FF ,; 4 S By i; Ir a k S M F, !' s I* F+ t I F i F ; VF t; r: is N yy i, + F i a F i k, 3, i #; i' I i, ' Ei The University Club Michigan Union 530 S. State St. The University Club is a private club for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their accompanied guests. Only members who are of legal drinking age may purchase alcohol. CALL TODAY (313) 593-3700 SERVICES. INC %MICH$GAN RECORDS 1140 SOUTH UNIVERSITY- DIRECTLY ABOVE GOOD TIME CHARLEY'S PH: 663-5800 STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 9 AM-10 PM SUN: 11 AM-8 PM REMMBER.. WE'VE GOT THE. BEST PRICES IN TOWN ON MUSIC THAT'S UNFORGETTABLE! 0 S ll ,I PUBLIC ENEMY TO! BUM RUsH THE SHOW p PW*UstAnmr.. ' itM A b I Dr A1i~w ±/WThM !w + O F _ - I m I 11 MIAMI SOUND MACHINE PRIMITIVE LOVE Cog./ead oyy1 Love wh-O II lii'IHAEL BOLTON 1111 THE HUNGER wthe NtinSOn Low Gwwl"O Low ROLLING STONES STICKY FINGERS 9 .a-i M 9 0 ;' OPENS IN THEATRES FRIDAY. MAY 18th I SPECIAL FREE SCREENING BOB DYLAN'S GREATESF HrrS CAROtE Kirwq TAmow1ID SADE 4 ,H.,.t I DIAIOaND LIFE 11 I