Songs of Life Jewish Music Festival and Heritage Tour in Bulgaria

June 21 – 28, 2020
(Depart from North America June 21 and return June 28, 2020)

The Songs of Life Jewish Music Festival and Heritage Tour is a celebration of Jewish choral music, combining exceptional performances with impactful educational programs and historical tours. The Festival features the choral-orchestral masterpiece of Ernest Bloch, SACRED SERVICE.

Original music will be presented by Bulgarian Jewish composers, Benjamin Ashkenazy and Nikolai Kaufman, as well as compositions by award-winning Bulgarian composer, Georgi Andreev. This includes Ashkenazy’s worthy project, THE JEWISH SOUL, a unique Ladino project initiated to give Ladino music a place of honor in the concert hall.

Participants will also discover the poignant history of the Sephardic Jews while exploring the historic cities of Sofia and Plovdiv. Whether you are a musician or a person passionate about the Sephardic culture, this groundbreaking tour will be an unforgettable experience!

Your cost of $1800 per person includes:

• Public performance of Sacred Service by Ernest Bloch in Sofia, Bulgaria
• Public performances of original Sephardic music and Bulgarian Folk Music during a series of exciting and heart-warming concerts in Sofia, Bulgaria
• Opportunities to meet Holocaust survivors who reside in Bulgaria
• Opportunities to learn more about the Sephardic culture and enjoy vocal and instrumental Bulgarian folk presentations.
• Six nights’ lodging and breakfasts in four-star hotel in Sofia (double occupancy)
• Welcome and Farewell Dinners
• Sephardic dinner reception which will include
• Program about the Sephardic Jews, Sephardic tradition, the story of Sephardic Jews’ journey to Bulgaria, and a presentation of the Bulgarian Sephardic society
• Sephardic dinner with description of typical Sephardic meals
• Sephardic music and songs presented by the renowned Bulgarian, Sephardic singer, Mrs. Lika Eshkenazi
• Guided tours of Sofia and Plovdiv with a local, licensed English-speaking tour guide, including visits to the Sofia and Plovdiv historical synagogues
• Ground transportation – modern, a/c coach and driver
• Concert management and publicity

Your cost does not include:

• Roundtrip flight to Varna (Varna International will provide an airfare quote and assist with booking upon request)
• Single occupancy upgrade: $420
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities

Music Enthusiasts:

Join the Songs of Life Jewish Music Festival and Heritage Tour as a Music Enthusiast! Enjoy the same inclusions as the performers and receive complimentary tickets to all performances. Click on the Contact Us button for more information and to request a travel quote.