Salon58: Wladigeroff Brothers – Bulgarian Rhapsody Balkan Soul, Jazz Heart

A musical journey through 3 generations of the Wladigeroff legacy—blending Bulgarian folklore, classical tradition, and jazz improvisation, presented by

• Konstantin Wladigeroff – piano, clarinet
• Alexander Wladigeroff – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals
• Special Guest: Peter Slavov – double bass

The Wladigeroff Brothers present a captivating musical journey that bridges generations, cultures, and genres. This rich and evocative program features works by their grandfather, Pancho Wladigeroff (1899–1978)—a towering figure in Bulgarian classical music—alongside original compositions by his grandsons The Wladigeroff Bothers.

Spanning over 120 years of musical heritage, the performance interweaves classical tradition, jazz improvisation, and the vibrant rhythms of Bulgarian folklore. The result is a deeply expressive sound that is both rooted in history and boldly contemporary. Through inventive arrangements and virtuosic interplay, the Wladigeroff Brothers bring to life a musical dialogue between eras and influences.

The concert will feature five works by Pancho Wladigeroff, newly reimagined in jazz arrangements:

• Grand Dance en Ronde (Господско хоро)
• Song of the Clown
• Conte, Op. 46
• Romance, Op. 20
• Rhapsody Vardar (Рапсодия “Вардар”)
• Voller Kanton

Each piece reflects the brothers’ unique ability to honor tradition while boldly exploring new creative horizons, with a special guest on double bass:

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS
Alexander and Konstantin Wladigeroff are internationally acclaimed Bulgarian-born musicians based in Vienna. Alexander is a trumpeter, flugelhorn player, and vocalist; Konstantin is a pianist, clarinetist, and composer. Together, they represent the third generation of one of Bulgaria’s most distinguished musical families. Their grandfather, Pancho Wladigeroff (1899–1978) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancho_Vladigerov, helped shape modern Bulgarian classical music, and their father, Alexander P. Wladigeroff (1933–1993), was a noted composer and conductor.

Both brothers studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, with Alexander also completing studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Their formal classical training, combined with a deep connection to Balkan folk traditions and a passion for jazz, forms the foundation of their distinctive and eclectic musical voice.

Over the past decade, they have released seven albums of original compositions:

• The Wanderer in Love (2007)
• For the Greatest and Little Things (2011)
• Dreaming of Dreams (2013/2014)
• Dedicated Sounds (2014)
• The Rag Waltz Time (2017, Enja Records)
• MAGIE (2022, Aparté / Little Tribeca)
• The Merry Wladigeroffs (2022)

They have performed on major stages across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa, captivating audiences with their emotional depth, technical brilliance, and magnetic stage presence.

Explore their discography at: www.wladigeroff.com/recordings
Follow their musical journey on Instagram: @wladigeroff.brothers

What's the music?

Alexander Wladigeroff Trumpet & Flugelhorn & Vocal

Konstantin Wladigeroff Piano & Clarinet

Peter Slavov Double Bass

Where does this music come from?