Yves Moreau lives close to Montreal in Canada. Since his childhood years he has been enthralled by Bulgarian folk music. In musical circles he is known as one of the most active collectors of Bulgarian folklore. But what is it that has been bringing him back to Bulgaria time after time over 49 years - the answer from Yves Moreau:

“I am delighted to be here, at the Bulgarian National Radio studio. Believe it or not, my first visit was right here back in 1966, when I paid a visit to the French language section of what was then Radio Sofia. I was just 17 and I listened to your programmes on short wave. The folk music I heard was spellbinding. It was the music that prompted me to come here and one by one, doors opened up to me. I dare say I had “privileged” contacts which years later helped me obtain a Bulgarian government scholarship to study the subtleties of Bulgarian folk signing and dancing. And they became my profession. To this day I travel the world and meet people who acquaint me with the wealth of the unique Bulgarian tradition. But how did I get to be so passionate about Bulgarian folklore? I am still looking for the answer to this question. Yes, I would like to be able to say I have a great grandfather who was Bulgarian. But, no that is not so. It is just that these rhythms, this power and energy in Bulgarian dances are astounding!”

Today Yves Moreau conducts international seminars of Bulgarian folklore dancing outside Canada, produces and promotes music albums from the “Beyond the mystery” collection – a collection of CDs of music he has himself recorded on tape recorder during his travels around Bulgarian villages in the 1966-1974 period. Later he signed a contract with the Bulgarian National Radio giving him the right to sell the CDs in North America.

It has been Yves Moreau’s long standing idea to collect the recordings by renowned clarinet player Georgi Koev in one CD. He says he is deeply impressed by the repertoire, the unique tonality and emotionality of his performances, especially the slow melodies. It took him a very long time to put together a 24-page annotation, translated into English and French with many photographs. This is a project that came to fruition this year, the year marking the 105^th birth anniversary of the clarinet virtuoso. And, as Yves says: “I brought the CDs that had only just come out to the festival in Koprivshtitsa in August – something I had been very eager to see happen. I couldn’t go there empty handed, could I?”

Yves Moreau says this is an event all Bulgarian folklore fans must go to, an event that brings together thousands of performers and fans. And adds that he is impressed by young people’s wish to preserve their folklore heritage. Yves Moreau is holder of the Cyril and Methodius order and in 2009 was awarded an honorary medal by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria on the occasion of his 60^th birthday. We asked him of his impressions of Bulgaria:

“It is a beautiful country with outstanding nature, blessed by the gods, with beautiful mountains, lakes. Not to forget the Black Sea, the unique architecture, the rich cultural heritage. I am always happy to come back here with my family. There is always something new to discover…” says in conclusion Yves Moreau.

English version: Milena Daynova