The youth chamber ensemble “OHANA” was created in 2014 by the composer and conductor Dimitar Kostantsaliev – as a natural continuation of their singing and theater activities in the children’s vocal and theater group “Thalasamche”. It was formed by young men and women over the age of 15. The diverse repertoire of the ensemble includes youth entertainment music, Church Slavonic chants, classical and folk songs, pop music.
The ensemble continues the tradition of the DVTF “Thalasamche” and skillfully combines song, dance and theater in its musical performance: “The Stars of Venice at the Foot of Vitosha”, which has been performed for 3 seasons on the stage of Sofia theaters. The performance has won numerous awards from national competitions for musical and performing arts.
As an independent choir, the youth chamber ensemble “OHANA” has won prestigious awards at international choral music competitions in Austria, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Sweden, Russia and Bulgaria.
The group promotes new Bulgarian songs. It has solo performances and participates in joint concerts with other famous performers. It participates in charity concerts organized by various public organizations and foundations.
The founder and leader of the ensemble is Dimitar Kostantsaliev.
Dimitar Kostantsaliev graduated from the “Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts – Plovdiv” in 1988. He studied composition with Prof. Ivan Spasov and choral conducting with Assoc. Prof. Nikola Lipov. In 1994, he specialized in composition at the “State Music Academy – Sofia” with Prof. Pencho Stoyanov.
He began his musical career as an accompanist in the choir “Slavic Unity” G. Oryahovitsa (1983-85). From 1986 to 1988 he became the chief artistic director of the Ladies Chamber Choir – Asenovgrad. He taught music in public and private schools from (1988 – 2011). In 1992 he created the Children’s Vocal and Theater Formation “Thalasumche”, of which he is the chief artistic director to this day, and in 2016 – the vocal group “Ohana”.
In 2004 he became a member of the Union of Bulgarian Composers.
Author of symphonic, chamber, choral, solo, popular and children’s music. Winner of awards as a composer and conductor of numerous international and national competitions. A special place in his work is occupied by music for children. He created 13 musicals and over 500 children’s songs. He has recordings on the Bulgarian National Radio of symphonic, chamber, choral, popular and children’s music. His musicals and children’s songs have been released on audio cassettes and CDs.
In 2007, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria awarded him for his high achievements and contribution to the development of Bulgarian culture.