Chiprovtsi International Music Festival 2026

Photocredit: Charley Case

Experience a unique musical immersion in the heart of the Balkans

Edition 2026 !! 26th of July – 2nd of August 2026

Welcome to the Chiprovtsi International Music Festival 2026

Set in the picturesque mountain town of Chiprovtsi, north-western Bulgaria, the Chiprovtsi International Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of Balkan spirit, sound, and togetherness. Every summer, this charming town transforms into a lively stage where musicians, dancers, and visitors from around the world gather to share in the joy of music, culture, and community.

The festival features open-air concerts, music workshops, seminars and masterclasses, late-night jam sessions, and cross-cultural collaborations that blend traditional Balkan rhythms with world, folk, and jazz influences. Local and international artists fill the streets and squares with the sounds of tambura, kaval, accordion, and soulful voices — a living tapestry of the region’s musical heritage.

Our goal is inspiring participants and locals with music and creativity, with openness, respect and care for the well-being of participants and local community.

Concerts, Balls & Closing Festival

🎵 Highlights 🎵

Live performances by renowned and emerging Balkan and world-music artists

Open-air stages and evening jam sessions under the stars

Folk dance and cultural showcases with local communities

International participation – artists and audiences from across Europe and beyond

Scenic mountain setting in one of Bulgaria’s most culturally rich regions.

Program to be determined soon, we are working on it !


Last year’s program was featuring, among other concerts, a Bulgarian Folk Night; a European Folk Ball; Jazz & World-Folk Fusion Concert and of course the Grande Finale Concert in different venues of the town: Chiprovtsi Uprising Square, the beautiful scene at the Historical Museum; and several guesthouses and restaurants.

Saturday 1st of August 2026
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2026 – Grand Finale! Closing concert
@ “Chiprovtsi Uprising” Square

Follow the Facebook-event for updates & more info !

Music workshops, masterclasses

Sunday 26.07 : arrival from 2pm
Monday 27.07 until Friday 31.08: classes (10h00-13h00 / 16h00-19h00)
Saturday 1.08 : Rehearsals and Performances for the Closing festival
Sunday 2.08: departure 10am

Please check the inscription-form for more detailed information about arrival and departure dates.

Morning
  • Breakfast :
    8h30 – 9h30
  • Classes:
    10h00 – 13h00

During morning classes, you will get introduced to new musical repertoire and teachers will provide information about the style and ornamentations typical of this repertoire.

Afternoon
  • Lunch:
    13h00 – 14h00
  • Classes:
    16h00 – 19h00

Afternoon classes can be a continuation of the morning class or offer some extra space for finetuning and rehearsing of the repertoire. Gradually will be created some ensemble and orchestral pieces.

In between lunch & afternoon classes is time to rest, have a swim in the municipal swimming pool or river, …

Evening
  • Dinner:
    20h30
  • Before / After dinner: Jam / Concerts

Before dinner, depending on the present energies, there might be some “apero-concerts” at different places throughout town. After dinner there are often one or more jam-sessions to relax and cheer up the spirits.

Teaching staff Chiprovtsi last year – 2025

This information will gradually be updated with the confirmations of the teaching staff 2026.
We offer you a warm and unique week with teachers who are both experienced pedagogues and remarkable artists. Discover the variety of instrument & singing sections in which you can register!

Morning classes by specific instrument will gradually be combined in the afternoon in order to create ensembles and orchestral pieces.

Veli Chaushev – NEW !!
Tambura & Guitar

Georgi Dobrev
Kaval & Orchestra

Borislav Galabov
Gadulka & strings orchestra

Sofia Glavopoulou – NEW !!
Songs & music from Greece (Asia m.)

Gergana Taskova
Polyphonic singing & vocal techniques

Yavor Taskov
Polyphonic singing & choir

Radka Stefanova

Genadii Rashkov
Tapan / Rythms of the balkan

Borislav Zgurovski
Accordeon

Plamen Krumov
Brass section

Grozdan Nachev
Clarinet – Sax – Gaida

Experience a unique musical immersion in a magical landscape of Bulgaria

Immerse yourself in a unique learning environment, connect with fellow musicians, and enhance your skills.

BALKAN MUSIC SEMINAR 2023
CHIPROVTSI BALKAN MUSIC SEMINAR 2024

Are you convinced?

Here you will find the possibility to register via the inscription form. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at kopanica(at)live.be

Embark on a musical journey in the hearT of the balkans