If you think classical music isn’t for children, this story should change your mind. Bulgarian children adore classical music – at least those in Sofia, Razgrad, Shoumen, and Rousse who have experienced the magic of “Fortissimo in Class”.
Seven years ago, the America for Bulgaria Foundation provided funding to Maxim Eshkenazi’s great dream, to allow as many children as possible to experience classical music. Some of the best Bulgarian musicians tour the country, making youngsters and their parents fall in love with classical music through numerous interactive educational concerts.
If you haven’t had the chance to attend, you can experience at least a bit of the children’s excitement, captured in the words of two mothers:
“I would like to express my support for the organizers of ‘Fortissimo in Class’ and my sincerest appreciation for the fact that my daughter Iva Aleksandrova was part of this wonderful initiative. In the fourth grade, Iva often said that these music classes are exciting and very interesting. I hope more children have the opportunity to experience the magic of the music classes with Fortissimo. I wish you luck!” – Radoslava Lalcheva, mother of Iva Aleksandrova.
“Fortissimo in Class is an extraordinary project because of the joy of the music and contact with ‘live’ performers and teachers. And because it ignites a spark in the children. There is a lot of research on the connection between musical education and the social and cognitive skills of children. But it’s invaluable when in just a couple of meetings with the musicians, your child tells you: “I have two items of good news and another one. I found a guitar teacher, in two days I have a lesson for which I need a guitar. Don’t worry, I arranged an early Christmas gift with grandma.” And since then she hasn’t stopped playing. And during a performance, she recognizes some of her music teachers and she’s happy that they were in her classroom. I hope more children will be lucky enough to participate in this making of music!” – Maria Valkanova, mother of Rada.
