Our latest Stick Of The Week! is Vlada Tomova. Vlada is in the NOW as creator and forger of Balkan Tales, honoring tradition while embracing the present through songs for the heart. Featuring some of New York’s finest instrumentalists, Balkan Tales brings modern soul to the Gypsy Balkan diaspora. Reaching far and wide for its tales, the group’s repertoire stretches from Vlada’s native Bulgaria to the rest of the Balkans to the Middle East, with flavors of India and Sephardic Spain, recalling Bulgaria’s cultural origins shaped by ancient migrations. Known as a “Bulgarian vocal sorceress” and "one of the most exciting voices in the New York global music scene", Brooklyn's exquisite Bulgarian songstress, Vlada Tomova, carries haunting, otherworldly energy in her voice.
Vlada Tomova - by Stani Photography
Additionally, Vlada founded New York’s first Bulgarian Women’s Choir, Yasna Voices, and is presently leading her New York Bulgarian Voices Trio, showcasing village songs and arrangements in the style of The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices choir.
NY Bulgarian Voices Trio - Photography by Chris Rael
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall)
My NOW is Vlada Tomova’s Balkan Tales and NY Bulgarian Voices Trio and Choir. I am a singer, composer, arranger and ensemble leader, weaving together music from my native Bulgaria and the Balkans with Western music and original songs.
My NOW is Vlada Tomova’s Balkan Tales and NY Bulgarian Voices Trio and Choir. I am a singer, composer, arranger and ensemble leader, weaving together music from my native Bulgaria and the Balkans with Western music and original songs.
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
My now is simmering, and going through rapid creative transformation. I am very confident in exploring the musical landscapes of Bulgarian and Balkan music in a variety of ways, but have recently discovered the ecstatic fulfillment of writing and performing original songs as well. I am quickly stepping into that territory.
My now is simmering, and going through rapid creative transformation. I am very confident in exploring the musical landscapes of Bulgarian and Balkan music in a variety of ways, but have recently discovered the ecstatic fulfillment of writing and performing original songs as well. I am quickly stepping into that territory.
Green Songs - Photography by Leela Rupa
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
Follow your heart and know that that is the only sure path to follow. Although it might be scary or tricky at times, nothing else will bring out the magnitude of your true shining self and fulfill your purpose in the world.
Follow your heart and know that that is the only sure path to follow. Although it might be scary or tricky at times, nothing else will bring out the magnitude of your true shining self and fulfill your purpose in the world.
Photography by Sarah Small
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
My desire to change my history - for myself, for my son, for my family, for my country, and for all of us.
My desire to change my history - for myself, for my son, for my family, for my country, and for all of us.
Vlada Tomova with her son Sasha performing
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
My need to be creative and my natural curiosity, and observing those same qualities in my son.
My need to be creative and my natural curiosity, and observing those same qualities in my son.
Sasha
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
It is still tricky to find the balance between the tow. I try to be organized and my mother comes to help me in the afternoons and evenings if I have a show. Being in good communication with my partner is vital as well. Unfortunately, as hands on, involved mom, I tend to finish my work at night.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
Organic fussily with butter, and Parmesan. The easiest!
It is still tricky to find the balance between the tow. I try to be organized and my mother comes to help me in the afternoons and evenings if I have a show. Being in good communication with my partner is vital as well. Unfortunately, as hands on, involved mom, I tend to finish my work at night.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
Organic fussily with butter, and Parmesan. The easiest!
Vlada Tomova's latest noodle is the creation of a new program called, Green Songs, songs for the whole family straight from Vlada's garden. Green Songs premiered at Lincoln Center’s Atrium in April, 2013.
photography by Leela Rupa
Get the chance to see Vlada Tomova and The New York Bulgarian Voices Trio this June 14th in SoHo, NYC
Go HERE for details
Go HERE for details
Check out the trailer for Vlada's Balkan Tales
Follow Vlada Tomova on FACEBOOK
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