I HAVE to confess to having an ulterior motive for attending this concert: along with wanting to hear a folk choir that’s earning itself a good reputation, I also wanted a look around the revamped Convent.

The evening didn’t disappoint on either count. The 12 singers making up Bulgarian choir Veda Slovena provided the most beautiful unaccompanied singing, treating the audience to everything from love songs to children’s songs to orthodox chants.

And the Convent itself was shown off to great effect on a beautiful summer evening, while the Chapel (the venue for the gig) proved the perfect setting for the distinctive sounds of Bulgarian music – assymetric rhythm, polyphony and five-part harmony.

Led by Eugenia Georgieva, the choir performed a full set of 17 songs, taking the audience on a tour of the distinctive musical styles of the country through the centuries. In this intimate setting, this was a joyous celebration of traditional folk music, all unaccompanied save for two songs where the tupan drum added to the flavour of authenticity.

There may be only two Bulgarians in the choir but this group put on a sublime exhibition of musical talent, with tales of the staples of village life: love, flirting, young maidens, weddings etc.

Excellent entertainment, I’d recommend looking out for both the group and for other events at this impressive venue.

Jane Leigh