The March Hare...
Hopping around my calendar I discover that March is a very busy month as we all emerge from our hibernation. I attend a performance by the Symphony Orchestra in the Opera house on Tuesday evening, the first of a series. The following morning, 3rd March, reveals national flags adorn buildings and balconies. Traditional costumes emerge as the annual "Liberation Day" celebrations begin. The air is filled with music from the pipes and drums accompanying dancing in the street. Families get together for a meal. I observe the odd group parading political slogans but this is mainly a time to rejoice. In the evening the Bulgarian Navy forms up for a ceremony at the entrance to the Sea Garden. It is bitterly cold but a huge crowd gathers, young and old alike, holding flags and listening to the military band. At 19:00 hours the ceremony begins. Speakers describe the events and the heroes, Russian and Bulgarian, of the fight for liberation. The torch is lit and the troops inspected.
Hats removed and everyone kneels as the national anthem is played. Rising, the sky explodes in a magnificent firework display. Events like this are taking place all over Bulgaria, they value their freedom and democracy here, after 500 years of Turkish rule who would not. Is it an omen that exceptionally cold winds have been blowing over Europe this winter? The troops march off, the military band the last to leave the square. The days progress with many celebrations of 'Name days' and birthdays. Rakia features heavily in these celebrations along with salted fish and slices of dried meats which always remind me of South Africa.
March is proving to be very changeable, sunshine one day followed by cold overcast days or rain then back to sunshine. The cold wind from the sea persists but beware the evening temperature drop which can catch you unawares if you remain out for too long. All that said I am getting out and about more now during the day. Blossoms start appearing on the trees. Martenitsi fly off the wrists to adorn the lower branches as dictated by tradition. Still haven't seen a stork though the swans have now departed from the seafront.
I was going to see the opera 'Aida' but changed my mind when, over coffee at 'The Brick' in downtown Varna, Valentin from the Festival Hall told me about a coming performance by the Kazakhstan orchestra. I chose correctly. This proved to be an amazing event and I was pleased that I took my camera along. The full title of the event is KAZAKH STATE ACADEMIC ORCHESTRA OF FOLK INSTRUMENTS NAMED AFTER KURMANGAZY. The latter is a district in Atyrau Province, Kazakhstan. The quality of performance as a whole, the solos by members of the main orchestra, the three singing stars all brought together by the joyful conductors lifted the heart and raised a ten minute standing ovation at the end of the concert.
If you ever get the chance to see a performance grab it. The unique instruments played with such skill, the range of musical styles and the smiles on their faces as they played all lived up to the opening sight of the colourful dress which created an impressive image as they took their places on the stage. The main soloists obviously enjoyed themselves. The male soloist held a note for so long that he received an ovation in his own right which prompted a later encore just to prove that he could. The interaction between the conductor and female soloist was almost a silent screen love affair to the delight of all. No stuffiness here all present for the love of music in its own right. I have tried to capture both the instruments and the spirit of the event in my photographs.
I was going to complete the month in one go but this is getting rather long so I have decided to create a second instalment to post after this. In case you are wondering I shall complete my Rila and other adventures over the next few days. Surprising the difference some sunshine makes. These will include the "Tall Ships Regatta" and a trip to "Ruse" on the Danube amongst other interesting titbits about life here in Bulgaria. In the mean time here is the link to the "March Hare" photo album as it stands at the moment. I hope that you enjoy the journey as much as I do. Incidentally I would like some feedback on the text descriptions I include on several of the photos. I hope that they make the albums more meaningful to the viewer. Good idea or not? More photos described or less or about right.
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