OTEPETO

I’ve lived in Bulgaria for a long time, yet it often feels like I’m arriving here again and again — discovering more of it with each step.
I don’t know much about “real life” — in the truest, most literal sense.

I study Software Engineering at university, and in my free time, I write poems and essays.

Singing with oTEPETo feels like a kind of spiritual awakening.
I love being part of the lives of these kind-hearted people — and that together, we’re creating something beautiful.

I’m from Kuklen and work in graphic design. I’m also a UX/UI design enthusiast. I’m passionate about exploring different cultures, a true lover of all Italian things and I often go to concerts.

The wonderful world of the choir “oTEPETO” was introduced to me by a few friends who are also part of the group. For me it’s something completely new, exciting, and challenging and brings me a wave of positive energy.

I’m from Plovdiv, a biologist by profession, but a thrill-seeker at heart.

Choral singing is part of my everyday life – without it the days feel incomplete. I started singing in second grade with the “Detska Kitka” choir. I’ve been part of “oTEPETO” since its very beginning. I already knew the conductor and when she shared her fresh and inspiring idea with me, I didn’t hesitate to join.

I’m from Plovdiv and have a background in philology. Currently, I work as a copywriter. I love reading, going to concerts with friends, traveling, and learning foreign languages – perhaps my biggest dream is to become a polyglot. For the past three years, I’ve been learning how to snowboard, and in the meantime, I’ve been building a small collection of vinyl records.

I joined “oTEPETo” after a very close friend invited me to attend one of the rehearsals. What truly made me stay – beyond the diverse and exciting repertoire – was the warm, friendly and uplifting atmosphere I felt from the very beginning. Singing in the choir has helped me gain more confidence – not only in my voice, but in my ability to be part of something beautiful, shared, and meaningful.

I’m from Plovdiv and currently a law student at Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv. Additionally, I work as an organizer and assistant counselor at the Leadership Academy “GLOW” summer program. Besides singing, I love reading books and taking long walks.

I have been singing since I was 11 years old in the “Detska Kitka” choir until I finished school, and I couldn’t imagine my life without music afterward. Soon after, I learned from Julia about the formation of “oTEPETO”. Singing has always brought me satisfaction, peace, and introduced me to some of the most wonderful people in my life.

I’m originally from the city of Shumen. I moved to Plovdiv to pursue my studies and graduated with a degree in Linguistics with Business Administration, focusing on English and Russian. I currently work as an Administrative Manager. In my free time I love to travel and enjoy planning my own trips both around Bulgaria and abroad.

My singing journey began in third grade when I joined the Shumen Children’s Choir “Bodra Pesen.” Some of the most treasured memories of my life are tied to the concerts and tours I took part in with the choir. When I moved to Plovdiv, what I missed most was singing — and the feeling of being part of something bigger and meaningful. So when my former choir conductor told me a new youth choir was forming in Plovdiv, I couldn’t wait to join. I’m so glad I did it. The emotions we experience during rehearsals and performances are simply incomparable.

I was born in Athens, Greece, but moved to Bulgaria when I was three years old, and that’s where I grew up.
Since I was 17, I’ve worked in the restaurant industry — starting as a waiter, then as a kitchen assistant, and later as a pizza chef, which is what I still do today. Currently, I’m studying Music Pedagogy at AMTII in Plovdiv. I absolutely love going to the mountains, where time seems to flow differently and every moment outside feels refreshing.

Singing in a choir is an enriching experience — a balm for my soul. Every rehearsal feels like a gift. As a child, I took part in various competitions across Northeastern Bulgaria, where I grew up, and I’ve always loved performing Bulgarian folk songs.

My journey to the choir oTEPETo started through a friendship with a wonderful chorister and a winter ski trip in the mountains. She told me she had started singing in a “brand new choir,” which immediately caught my interest since I was looking for something like that to dedicate myself to.

For me, singing in oTEPETo is about sharing a high vibration. If I had to describe it as a place, I’d say: “It’s the hall where I grow, learn new things, feel free, happy, and surrounded by amazing people.”

I’m grateful every day to be part of this incredible family!

I was born in Gabrovo, but I’ve been living in Plovdiv for many years now.
I’m a student in Music Pedagogy at AMTII, and I spend my free time with friends and family – or working. A fun fact about me: I absolutely love board games. 🙂

I sang in the “Detska Kitka” choir for 10 years. There I learned to love music and I developed discipline, responsibility, and kindness. I find those same values in oTEPETo – along with great friends and our shared passion for making music and having fun together.

Singing in a choir is something that helps shape and improve both the musician and the person.
And in a choir, you’ll always find people who support you and understand you.

I was born and raised in Plovdiv. Currently I’m a student at Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, majoring in Linguistics with English and Korean. In my free time I enjoy reading Dickens and the Brontë sisters in the original or drawing, mostly black-and-white graphics. I’m a huge coffee lover, and one of my more unusual skills is creating balloon figures.

I feel lucky to have discovered choral singing at the age of nine, when I joined the “Detska Kitka” choir. It not only deepened my understanding and appreciation of music, but also gave me lifelong friendships and introduced me to incredible professionals. Being part of the Plovdiv Youth Choir “oTEPETO” has reignited the thrill of preparing for performances and brought me together with new kindred spirits who share my love for singing and with whom it’s always a joy to spend time. 🙂

I’m from the city of Plovdiv. I work as a barista, but I study sculpture. I love playing the piano and guitar, singing, and writing poetry in search of deeper spiritual insight. I’m inspired by beautiful, vivid moments, which I love to capture using analog film cameras. I also practice poi spinning and contact staff – skills that prepare me for future fire performances.

I joined the oTEPETo choir thanks to my sculpture teacher, who used to sing in the group.
It brings me immense joy to be part of this choir – filled with real, vibrant, and inspiring energy. That energy flows from the strength and artistry of Julia Uzunova, as well as from the individuality and inner light of each chorister.

I was born in Plovdiv. By profession, I’m a dentist — but at heart, I’m a mother, a singer, a painter, occasionally a bit of a tease to my loved ones… basically, a full-on showman!

As a student, I sang for 10 years in the “Detska Kitka” choir.
It didn’t take much — I heard about the youth choir from one of the singers and… bam! I found myself again!

I’m originally from Ukraine, and I’ve been living and thriving in Bulgaria for over five years now. I’m not currently studying anything specific. I consider myself a broad-minded person with many interests. I love singing, traveling, and programming.

For me, singing is a way to break free from everyday life. I’ve been singing since I was a child, and music has become an inseparable part of who I am. I’ve sung in various ensembles, including the Youth Choir of the M. Leontovych Music Academy, the M. Leontovych Mixed Choir, and the classical ensemble Pro Belcanto.

I live in Plovdiv, but I work in Pazardzhik – which is also my hometown. I’m a dentist and I truly love my profession. Outside of work (and choir, of course), I enjoy hiking in the mountains and cycling.

I sang for about 10 years in the “Slava Ruseva” children’s choir in Pazardzhik. That’s why a fellow university classmate and current oTEPETo member – Zlatka – suggested I come to a rehearsal.
At first, I didn’t think I’d have time for a serious hobby… but now, whenever I have to miss a rehearsal, I feel genuinely guilty.

Originally from Plovdiv. I work, love to read, travel, and play sports.

I started singing in choirs at around 8-9 years old. I was a choir member in “Art Group Slavena” and in the “Evmolpeya” choir, finishing when I was about 17. I found out about “oTEPETe” from my best friend, who is also part of the choir. Music and singing have always been an integral part of my life, bringing me inspiration, passion, and meaning.

I’m from Shumen, Bulgaria. I’m currently studying Conducting of Folk Ensembles at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts “Prof. Asen Diamandiev” in Plovdiv.

My love for music began back in second grade when I joined the children’s choir “Bodra Pesen”, conducted by Denitsa Uzunova. She was the first person who truly ignite my passion for choral music, and it was through her inspiration that I chose to pursue conducting – a path that eventually led me to Plovdiv and to the choir “oTEPETo”.

Outside the choir and the Academy, I work professionally as a photographer. When I have the time, I also direct short films, and write stories, poems, and songs. I’m also a backing vocalist in the DnD Band.

I had known about “oTEPETo” since my first year, but I was hesitant to join, afraid I wouldn’t have enough time to commit. I told myself I’d try in my second year. But one day, a fellow choir member – Kosta – simply stopped me and invited me to a rehearsal. I went. Two weeks later, I was already performing on stage with them. And from that moment, I knew I had found my place. Because “oTEPETo” is not just another student choir – it’s a family, united by a deep and genuine love for music.

My name is Georgi and I’m originally from Svilengrad.
I work as a music teacher, and most of my professional life naturally revolves around music – including, of course, being part of the youth choir “oTEPETo” 😉

Creating and collecting music are some of my favourite hobbies. Singing in a choir has always been a truly special experience for me.
I first started singing in high school as a member of the Svilengrad Mixed Choir, later joined my university course choir, and now I’m proud to be part of “oTEPETo”.

I became involved in the choir from the very beginning – even before it officially formed. For me, what makes a choir truly valuable are the new friendships, the energy of rehearsals, and the unforgettable moments we share both on and off stage. These are the things that make choral singing so rewarding and meaningful in my life.

I enjoy making the world a more beautiful place. Whether through art or attitude – it doesn’t really matter.

Every rehearsal is a mix of good vibes, interesting exercises, a rich repertoire of songs, and getting totally lost in endless pages of sheet music.

My name is Anna, and I’m originally from the city of Shumen.
I’m currently studying Pedagogy in the Teaching of Mathematics and Information Technologies. Outside of choir, my hobbies include traditional folk dancing and hairstyling.

I’ve been singing in the “Bodra Pesen” choir since 3rd grade. That’s where I met many different and inspiring people, all united by one thing – their love for music. The choir quickly became one of my favorite activities, and that’s why, when I moved to Plovdiv, I knew I wanted to continue singing.

I first heard about “oTEPETo” from my conductor Denitsa Uzunova. As soon as I learned about the choir, I decided to join – I missed the excitement before concerts and the unforgettable memories that music helps create.

I love singing in “oTEPETo” because the feeling is both excitingly new and comfortingly familiar – a beautiful continuation of something that has always brought me joy.

Originally from Ruse, I spent five years living in Sofia, and for nearly four years now, I’ve been based in Plovdiv.
I teach Bulgarian Language and Literature at a private educational center. Besides music, my other great passion (and weakness) is theatre. I also share my home with two cats – Murphy (4 years old) and Simba (5 years old).

Singing in a choir has always felt like a natural part of my life. It all began with a vocal group in kindergarten, continued with the “Danube Waves” Children’s Choir in Ruse from 2nd to 12th grade, followed by five years in the “Voices of Orpheus” female chamber ensemble in Sofia – and, as of October 1st, 2023, here I am.

For me, ensemble singing is far more exciting than solo performance. On one hand, you’re part of creating something far more complex and rich; on the other, you get to share that emotional experience with a group of beautifully “crazy” people just like you.

Singing in “oTEPETo” is an absolute joy – even though we all come from different backgrounds and levels of experience, the energy and enthusiasm here are unlike anything I’ve seen before… and I absolutely love that! 😊

I’m originally from Gabrovo. I work as an economic analyst for an international company. I love traveling, being around people, and spending time in nature.

For me, singing in a choir is a way to connect and communicate with others on a deeper, more emotional level. It gives me a sense of meaning and fulfillment — from working toward a shared goal, growing together, and putting in effort as a team. Through choir, I find a feeling of belonging, a touch of art in everyday life, variety, and the beautiful unpredictability that music brings.

oTEPETo has also given me a whole new group of friends!
I joined as a complete beginner in singing, but thanks to the support from everyone and some extra practice, things slowly started to fall into place. Now, I’m genuinely curious and excited to see what else lies ahead in this new world — the world of singing, music, and the people who love them.

I’m originally from the city of Vidin, but for me, Plovdiv is the true “city of dreams.” Here, I study Music Education Pedagogy with the hope of passing on my love for music to younger generations. If I manage to spark that love in even one child, I’ll feel that I’ve fulfilled my purpose. Back in school, I played the trumpet in a brass band.

Singing in a choir is like playing in an orchestra – it’s a collective art. I had missed that feeling of being part of a musical team for a long time, and luckily, I found “oTEPETO.” When a person sings, they open their soul to others. Choral singing is therapy, connection, and communication on a deeper level.