In 2020, Violins of Hope South Carolina decided to collaborate with Varna International to once again bring the Songs of Life, A Melancholy Beauty oratorio to SC, with four magnificent performances in Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia in the Spring of 2022. The orchestra played the piece, using the violins that were owned by Jewish musicians, gathered after the Holocaust, and restored by Amnon Weinstein of Violins of Hope. The combination of Violins of Hope and Varna International was truly “an international first” where South Carolinians of all ages experienced unforgettable events that lifted hearts and inspired understanding.
Violins of Hope South Carolina & Varna International’s “Songs of Life”
Songs of Life: The Untold Story
Varna International’s thematic event, “Songs of Life” is an international music festival produced to commemorate a profound, true story of hope and heroism rarely told in history books.
On March 8, 1943 during the Second World War, several trains secretly entered Bulgaria under the cover of night. The trains were scheduled to deport Bulgarian Jews to the Nazi death camps in Poland. At the time, Bulgaria’s Government was allied with Nazi Germany in an agreement to begin with deporting 8,000 Jews followed by thousands more.
Despite the political alliance, Bulgarian citizens rose up and refused to stand by in silence. They defied the agreement, making their collective voice heard. As a result, the Parliament, Palace, and Church led an effort to frustrate the implementation of this monstrous crime against humanity. The deportation was canceled. Two more deportation attempts were made, and both were later thwarted again by Bulgarians who cared enough to act.
In the end, not a single Bulgarian Jew was sent to the Nazi death camps. In all, the lives of 49,000 Jews were saved due to the brave efforts of ordinary citizens.
Inspired by their desire to find a way to celebrate the courage of the Bulgarians to resist the Third Reich’s planned genocide of Bulgaria’s Jews, Kalin and Sharon Tchonev birthed “Songs of Life.” Sharon herself has an amazing personal story. Her maternal grandparents were among the Bulgarians who were saved. ((Kalin & Sharon Tchonev photo credit: VARNA International)
The world-renowned “Philip Kutev” National Folklore Ensemble of Bulgaria
THE BULGARIAN SINGERS
Eight exceptionally talented soloists were brought from Bulgaria. Their unique style of singing will be featured in the Songs of Life “A Melancholy Beauty” concerts of Violins of Hope. They will be featured in their authentic Bulgarian costumes.
An interactive concert led by 8 soloists from the world-renowned “Philip Kutev National Folklore Ensemble” of Sofia, Bulgaria, included story-telling about Bulgarian history, the rescue of Bulgaria’s Jews, and the mystery of the Bulgarian voices. The story telling (optional) was led by Maestro Georgi Andreev and Mr. Kalin Tchonev. Maestro Andreev, is an Award-winning Bulgarian composer and the Artistic Director of the ensemble. Mr. Tchonev, a pianist and conductor by training, is the co-founder of Varna International and Songs of Life, a SC-based organization specializing in the production of large-scale classical concerts and music training academies. Varna International’s Songs of Life production focuses on re-telling the story of the rescue of Bulgaria’s Jews during the Holocaust through its world-acclaimed oratorio, A Melancholy Beauty, which was composed by Maestro Andreev. Mr. Tchonev’s wife, Sharon, is a descendant of rescued Bulgarian Jews and Songs of Life includes the couples’ personal family story.
This interactive presentation demonstrated the Bulgarian style of singing, led by Internationally- recognized folk specialist and composer, Georgi Andreev, and the world-renowned “Philip Kutev National Folklore Ensemble”. Award-winning Bulgarian composer, Maestro Georgi Andreev, Artistic Director of the ensemble, led us into the mysterious world of Bulgarian and Balkan Folk Music through live music presentation by the soloists, featuring Bulgarian Folk music. The audience listened to the complex rhythmic tempos and the intonational aspects of Bulgarian folk music, ornaments, and characteristic music in different geographical regions of Bulgaria. Vocal solos by outstanding musicians were a part of this exciting performance. (Bulgarian Singers photo credit: VARNA International)
Songs of Life Endorsements
“Not only are the United States and Bulgaria allies, but we share common values and a belief in freedom. The Songs of Life International Choir Festival is a platform to share these values with the rest of the world.”
Congressman Joe Wilson, U.S. House of Representatives
“Bringing 300 superb choristers and instrumentalists on stage in what I can only describe as an impeccably organized and magnificently directed performance, sets the highest possible standards for such events.”
Ambassador Elena Poptodorova, Bulgarian Ambassador to the USA
“Your MAGNUS OPUS which we were privileged to see / listen to / absorb / reflect on at the world premiere. It was, in our view, simply stupendous.”
Gregory Mattson, Former Special Advisor, Office of Holocaust Issues, US Department of State, Washington, DC
“The rescue of Jews in Bulgaria during World War II holds lessons for us today about the importance of taking real risks and standing courageous against hate, racism and anti-Semitism. I welcome a Festival that can draw attention to this past and help transmit the values it embodies into the future in meaningful and immediate ways.”
David A. Harris, Executive Director, American Jewish Committee
“Your vision and energy for this project was unmatched: conceiving a major international work which united us with the people from Bulgaria and its performers…You have literally changed lives with this project and it is most appreciated!”
Dr. Stan Engebretson, Artistic Director, National Philharmonic Chorale, Director of Choral Studies, George Mason University, Director of Music, The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC
“The Magnitude of your effort to achieve such artistic measures was daunting. Your commitment to bringing forward the story of Bulgarian humanity during WWII is admirable. This music should be performed again and again…The ICC experience with Varna International was truly top notch. It is gratifying to see a company who cares about the quality of musical experience as much as the nuts and bolts of travel. I would recommend Varna International wholeheartedly to any choir touring in the future. Congratulations and thanks from a grateful conductor… You are first class!”
Prof. Henry Leck, Founder and Artistic Director, Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Indiana
“From the combination of top level professional and educational performers from the USA and Bulgaria, passionately lead by Maestro Henry Leck, the well written score with its timely story, the individual group performance opportunities at the three world class performances venues – Kennedy Center, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center and Wang Theater, Boston, and numerous tourist moments along the way, this was an experience my students and community singers will never forget. Add in a private directors’ reception at the Bulgarian Embassy in D.C., and having “Beauty” composer Georgi Andreev and all of his Bulgarian performers traveling on our bus and you have the most unique of tour experiences. The excellent tour management was provided by knowledgeable, caring musician/managers under the direct personal supervision of the Festival Directors, Kalin and Sharon Tchonev. We recommend it highly!”
Dr. Thomas E. Miller, The College Singers, The Master Arts Chorale, Victor Valley College, California