The University’s World Music Series presents the rich, vibrato-filled melodies and fast, upbeat rhythms of one of Bulgaria’s most popular wedding bands. Recently reunited after 14 years, Kabile is visiting 33 states as part of its U.S. tour and will be in Eugene on Friday, Oct. 10.
So. Wedding music? Weddings in the U.S. are often seen as “something you have to go to,” as World music professor Mark Levy put it, so wedding music might seem like something you wouldn’t want to download on your iPod.

On the contrary, Bulgarian wedding music attracts worldwide attention for its incredible virtuosity and creativity. “It is a total blowout; the dancing is energetic and people go crazy!” said Levy, who is teaching the University course Folk Music of the Balkans this term.
For vocalist and songwriter Donka Koleva of Kabile, weddings are week-long parties, the life of which is music. “Since childhood, I never imagined myself as anything other than a singer,” said Koleva, whose 1997 recording of “Javore” was named Song of the Year in the Bulgarian national radio competition.
Formed in 1978, Kabile performs modern tunes and harmonies using traditional village instruments that include the gaida (bagpipe), kaval (end-blown flute), accordion, and tapan (large two-headed drum).
Hundreds of years of Ottoman occupation, and the Soviet Union’s emphasis and initiation of the non-native choral music, has had a major impact in the development of Balkan style. By combining elements of old village music and western harmonies, the innovations of Kabile become appealing to a wider world audience, explained Levy.
The style, which developed during the later half of the 20th century, is characterized by fast, creative metric patterns and Middle Eastern melodic ornamentation. “There are a lot of little notes in between the big ones,” Levy said.
But Levy emphasized that roots of Balkan music are in the folk. Music is every part of the wedding, from the ritual shaving of the groom to the sad moment when the bride leaves her house, symbolizing the departure from her family. Even the best man, who must baptize the couple’s future children, must dance to a special musical tune as payment for gifts of Bulgarian brandy and whole roasted pigs.
“It’s not concert music as much as it is participatory music. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the line and open circle dances on Friday,” Levy said.
In the 10 years that Koleva has lived in the U.S., she has not played a single wedding, yet she feels there has been a very positive response from the American fans. “People love it; the music is so emotional and close to the audience,” she said.
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