ARIFA . Danubian Voyage

The Amsterdam quartet Arifa plays music from their new CD Danubian Voyage, which was released by the German label Qrious

The Danube symbolizes the connection between East and West and Arifa perfectly reflects this connection. Arifa is truly international. The Bulgarian kaval player Zhivko Vasilev and the Hungarian cellist Bence Huszar are (relative) newcomers, while the German pianist Franz von Chossy has been part of the group for many years. Sjahin During, the band's leader, considers himself a cultural bastard with a Dutch father and a Turkish mother.

Arifa's secret lies in the creative chemistry between the four members. Their music is as diverse as their origins. Ancient musical traditions from the Middle East and the Balkans are mixed with jazz and contemporary improvised music.

Arifa strings together countless performances in 28 countries on 5 continents. They have collaborated with Aynur Doğan, Arto Tunçboyacıyan, Theodosii Spassov, Laka Khan, Alex Simu, Osama Abdulrasol, Mehmet Polat, Waed Bouhassoun, “Voices from the East” featuring Niusha Barimani, Meng Xiaoxu, Vanya Valkova and Alma Quartet.

Zhivko Vasilev . kaval (Bulgaria)
Bence Huszar . cello (Hungary)
Franz von Chossy . piano (Germany)
Shahin During . percussion (Turkey/Netherlands)

EVA QUARTET . Bulgarian Voices

The Eva Quartet consists of four young solo singers of the world famous women's choir "Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares". They are among the best Bulgarian female voices. The group was founded in 1995 by the four women and they immediately found a common language and interests. A very specific atmosphere was created and during the concerts the audience often had the impression that they were listening to one multi-layered voice.

The singers master an impressive style of singing that is based on a perfect technique. The repertoire consists of authentic folk songs from different parts of Bulgaria. They are looking for the purity of the song while interpreting the tradition in a contemporary modern and varied way. The quartet's program includes old Bulgarian music and hymns, as well as modern music.

Gergana Dimitrovac . soprano
Sofia Kovachevac . mezzo-soprano
Evelina Christova . alt
Daniela Stoichkova . contra-alt