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 🎵

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 !

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 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 !!!

Radka Stefanova (to be confirmed)
Ambassador of the festival & Guest Teacher

Voice and songs of CHIPROVTSI

Mystère des Voix Bulgares- Diyana Vasileva_guest teacher Chiprovtsi 2026 Festival
Diyana Vasileva (to be confirmed)
Guest Teacher

Voice of the SHOPPE county

Genadii RASHKOV
Tapan / Rythms of the balkan

Galin ANGELOV
Gaida & Saxophone

NEW !!!

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