Lidiya Koycheva & Balkan Orkestra

Coming from a family of musicians, with her father being an internationally renowned accordionist and
her mother a folk dancer, Lidiya Koycheva, singer, pianist, and guitarist, has always been fascinated by
Roma culture. As a young talent, Lidiya toured Europe, winning numerous piano awards, even together
with her brother Angel. While in Italy to graduate in piano, she felt a strong call of her origins, developing
a deep love for the rich expressions of the folk of her homeland, recalling the long evenings and nights
with her father and other prominent Bulgarian folk musicians at their home. At that point, the choice was
made, and the smell of smoke, the Rakia, the gypsy rhythms, the women’s voices, and the parties mixed
with the sound of traditional Bulgarian folk instruments.