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Bulgarian Choir That Once Sang Behind Iron Curtain Makes Musical Waves Again

The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices onstage during a live performance. (Daznaempoveche/Wikimedia Commons)
The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices onstage during a live performance. (Daznaempoveche/Wikimedia Commons)

The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices — formerly known as the Bulgarian State Television Female Vocal Choir — was a surprise success in the 1980s, winning a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album. Their first tour opened the world’s ears to music behind the Iron Curtain.

The state-supported choir fell on hard times after the collapse of the Soviet Union. But earlier this year it released a new album, collaborating with singer Lisa Gerrard.

Here & Now‘s Robin Young speaks with music critic Jim Farber (@JimFarberMusic), who’s written about the group’s music.

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