Chiprovtsi International Music Seminar & Festival 2026

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 🎵

Follow the general Facebook-event for updates & more info !

🎼Tuesday, 28 July, 7pm Historical Museum
Patrick Sentis’s Orchestrion + Davagariko duo
👉 Facebook-event 28/07

🎶Wednesday, 29 July 7pm Main Square
Mladen Bend – Official Evening Concert
👉 Facebook-event 29/07

🎺 Thursday, 30 July
Official Festival Concert
👉 Facebook Event will be posted here soon

Friday 31rd of July 2026
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2026 – Grand Finale! Closing concert & Artisan Market
@ “Chiprovtsi Uprising” Square
👉 Facebook Event will be posted here soon

🎻Monday – Friday
Music & Dance Workshops
🥁 Every Evening: Open Jam Sessions

What to expect:

  • 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.

Agenda & Schedule of the seminar

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.

+ EXTRA CHILDREN & YOUTH SEMINAR:
Voice & Songs

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 2026

This information will be gradually updated as the 2026 teaching staff is confirmed.

Expect a unique week with teachers working at the top level of Bulgarian traditional folklore music — acclaimed pedagogues and active artists from the Bulgarian National Radio Orchestra, major national ensembles, and the Plovdiv Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts.

Discover the full range of instrumental and vocal sections open for registration.

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

Picture of Velizar, our Bulgarian teacher accordeon for the Chiprovtsi Seminar and Festival 2026
Velizar Stefanov Tsonev – NEW !!
Accordeon

Georgi Dobrev
Kaval & Orchestra

Borislav Galabov
Gadulka & strings orchestra

Mario Metodiev, our Trompettist teacher of the Brass section of the Chiprovtsi 2026 Festival
Mario Metodiev

Gergana Taskova
Polyphonic singing & vocal techniques

Yavor Taskov
Polyphonic singing & choir

Veli-Chaushev, our Tambura - strings - teacher for the Chiprovtsi 2026 Festival
Veli Chausev
Tambura & guitar

NEW !!!

Genadii Rashkov
Tapan / Rythms of the balkan

Galin Angelov
Gaida & Sax

Martina Dimitrova
Guest teacher

Voices & Songs for Children

Reni Kuzmanova
Guest teacher

Voices & Songs for Children

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
Scenery mountains and group rehearsal string section municipality
CHIPROVTSI BALKAN MUSIC SEMINAR 2025

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