The Mixed Choir “Rilski Zvutsi” at the Community Center “Zora 1858” in Dupnitsa was founded in 1894 by the singing teacher Ivan Krastev, who laid the foundations of a lasting choral tradition in the town.
Throughout its long history, the ensemble has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including Georgi Ramadanov, Agapi Krastev, Nikola Kazakov, Georgi Boyadzhiev, and Ivan Lozanov. In 1918, following the First World War, bandmaster Georgi Kolarov restored its activity as a mixed choir. A significant contribution to the choir’s development was made by conductor Nikola Demirev, who, over a period of 32 years, established its high artistic standard and led it to notable creative achievements and distinctions.
Over the decades, the choir has maintained an active concert life and has participated in international competitions and festivals in Belgium, Russia, Greece, Serbia, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Montenegro, Germany, and other countries, earning prestigious awards and recognition. Its artistic growth has also been shaped by conductors such as Alexander Okoliyski, Venelin Kolarov, Boris Mladenov, Veneta Vicheva, Stoyan Stoyanov, Borislav Ivanov, Sider Siderov, and Alexandra Sluncheva.
Among the landmark events in the choir’s history are the anniversary concerts marking its 70th, 80th, and 90th anniversaries. On the occasion of its 80th anniversary, the ensemble was awarded the Order of “Cyril and Methodius,” First Class, in recognition of its outstanding artistic achievements.
A major role in the choir’s development was played by Biser Mihaylov, who devoted two decades to its artistic advancement, followed by Iglika Ganeva and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hristo Krotev. For many years, the choir’s répétiteur and pianist has been Yordanka Vasilieva, whose work has been essential to the realization of the ensemble’s concert and festival activities.
At various periods, the choir has also been conducted by Magdalena Lobutova, Tanya Kamburova, Yordanka Vasilieva, Yana Chinova, Ognyan Mitonov, Martin Antonov, and Filip Stavrov. At present, the conductor of the Mixed Choir “Rilski Zvutsi” is Aurora Timeva.
With its long-standing activity, high artistic standards, and active presence both in Bulgaria and abroad, the Mixed Choir “Rilski Zvutsi” holds a distinguished place in contemporary Bulgarian choral art and contributes to the preservation and development of the national musical culture.
Aurora Timeva is currently pursuing studies in piano at the National Academy of Music “Prof. Pancho Vladigerov”. Alongside her formal musical training, she has developed a strong interdisciplinary profile, engaging in acting, improvisation, and operatic singing. She has participated in theatrical productions, international festivals, and masterclasses, performing both as an actress and as a musician.
Her artistic interests are particularly focused on Baroque music, complemented by studies in harpsichord and organ. In parallel with her performance activities, she is active as a piano instructor in private music studios.
She is currently studying choral conducting under the guidance of Tanya Nikleva. She serves as conductor and accompanist of the Mixed Choir “Rilski Zvutsi” at the Zora 1858 Community Cultural Centre in Dupnitsa.
Since 2026, she has also been an accompanist of the Women’s Choir “Hristina Morfova” at the Dr. Petar Beron – 1926 Community Cultural Centre in Sofia.