Bulgaria - Several sources announced that Professor Kiril Stefanov died in November 2005 after being in a coma for ten days. He was the artistic director and conductor of the Bulgarian group Pirin Ensemble for the past 50 years, as well as of internationally renowned festivals in Koprivshtitsa, Varna, Bourgas, etc.

The Pirin Ensemble was established in 1954. A professional artistic formation, spreading the beauty and charm of Bulgarian folklore heritage and expressiveness around all world continents - Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia. The Ensemble has performed in 60 countries, with more than 6,500 concerts and attendance of 6,000,000 visitors. It has also produced many audio tapes, video films, and CDs.

[Photo courtesy of Varna Folk Festival].