Hosted at Mingei International Museum
Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and soulful spirit of Bulgaria through a performance by Ivan and Tzvetanka Varimezov, two of that country’s most esteemed folk artists. Rooted in the musical traditions of the Strandzha and Thrace regions, their program showcases the haunting tones of the gaida (bagpipe) and the dazzling ornamentation of Bulgarian village singing.
Through their shared artistry, they bring to life centuries-old songs of love, celebration, and ritual—music that has long united communities and marked life’s most meaningful moments. Interwoven with their artistry are stories of the regions and traditions that shaped this music, offering audiences a rare glimpse into Bulgaria’s living folk heritage.
Following the concert, audience members will have the opportunity to engage with the artists in a Q&A session, gaining a deeper insight into the cultural roots and expressive power of Bulgarian folk music.
About the Artists
Ivan and Tzvetanka Varimezov are master musicians and educators from Bulgaria, internationally recognized for their artistry and leadership in preserving and sharing traditional Bulgarian folk music. They directed the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s renowned Balkan Ensemble for some twenty years, inspiring generations of students through their teaching, choral direction, and ensemble work.
Ivan Varimezov was born in Bulgaria, where he was raised in the rich folk traditions of the Strandzha region. He studied folk music at the Kotel High School for Folk Music and earned a B.A. in folk instrument pedagogy and choral conducting from the Plovdiv Academy of Music and Dance. Recognized as one of the most outstanding gajda (bagpipe) players of his generation, Ivan has performed as a soloist with leading Bulgarian ensembles including the Trakiya Folk Ensemble, Ensemble Pazardzhik, and the Bulgarian National Radio Folk Orchestra. He has also toured internationally with The Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria, The Angels Choir (Angelite), Les Grandes Voix Bulgares, Balkanfolk, and Trio Bojura.
Ivan taught at UCLA from 2001 to 2021, where he served as Professor of Bulgarian Folk Music and directed the UCLA Balkan Ensemble. During that period, he organized numerous concerts across California and led multiple study tours to Bulgaria, providing students with firsthand experience of Bulgarian music and culture. In recognition of his artistry and leadership, Ivan received the Golden Lyre and Crystal Medal from the Union of Bulgarian Musicians and Dancers, as well as an Honorary Citizen Award from his hometown of Sredets for his lifetime contributions to Bulgarian folk music and culture.
Tzvetanka Varimezova is a celebrated Bulgarian singer, conductor, and educator. Known for her brilliant, ornamented vocal style and her deep knowledge of regional song traditions from the Pazardzhik-Thrace area, she earned her B.A. in choral conducting and folk instrument pedagogy from the Plovdiv Academy of Music and Dance. Early in her career, she directed the choir of the professional Ensemble of Folk Song and Dance Pazardzhik. Later, she served as a soloist and choral director with several of Bulgaria’s foremost women’s choirs, including Les Grandes Voix Bulgares, The Cosmic Voices, Trio Bojura, and The National Ensemble Filip Kutev.
From 2001 to 2021, Tzvetanka served as a professor at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, where she co-directed the UCLA Balkan Ensemble alongside her husband, Ivan. During that period, she trained and conducted choirs across the U.S. and internationally, including Kitka (San Francisco), Nevenka (Los Angeles), Dunava (Seattle), and Mila (Minneapolis). She has also led workshops throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Her artistic leadership has brought UCLA students and American choirs to Bulgaria for major performances, including appearances at the National Festival of Folk Art in Koprivshtitsa.
In recognition of her lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing Bulgarian folk music, Tzvetanka received numerous honors, including Bulgaria’s Voice of the Year Award (2017) and a national Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Bulgarian Folk Music (2018).
Together, the Varimezovs have led numerous international study groups, bringing UCLA students and folk ensembles from around the world to perform at major festivals in Bulgaria. Through their artistry, mentorship, and tireless advocacy, they have strengthened cross-cultural understanding and ensured that Bulgaria’s rich folk traditions continue to thrive on a global stage.
La Jolla Community Center
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Mingei International Museum
This is the fourth of six concerts in our 2026 Global Stage Passport Series.
May 15th, 2026 | Shadow Puppetry & Gamelan of Java with Woro Mustiko Siwi
June 19th, 2026 | Lernazang Ensemble: Revitalizing Armenian Heritage Through Music and Dance
