Truly one of the greatest singers the world has ever known, it was very sad to hear this morning that Yanka Rupkina, one of Bulgaria’s most celebrated folk singers and a member of The Trio Bulgarka who recorded with Kate on both The Sensual World and The Red Shoes albums, has passed away at the age of 87 following a prolonged illness. Her voice was extraordinary, reaching stratospheric heights as it blended beautifully with the stunning voices of Stoyanka Boneva and Eva Georgieva of the Trio. Kate’s work with the exquisite, breathtaking, Trio Bulgarka remains one of the outstanding collaborations of her career to date.
A few years back I put together a podcast episode exploring Kate’s musical journey with The Trio Bulgarka which you can hear below.
An international ambassador of Bulgarian folklore, she was born on August 15, 1938, in the village of Bogdanovo, growing up immersed in traditional music, inspired by her grandmother, also a folk singer.
From the Bulgarian News Agency:
Although she initially trained as a nurse, Rupkina’s passion for music never wavered. She joined the Bulgarian National Radio Folk Ensemble in 1961 and became a soloist for three decades, recording hundreds of songs from the Strandzha region, preserving Bulgaria’s musical heritage for future generations. Her signature song, “Kalimanku, Denku mari hubava”, remains an enduring emblem of Bulgarian folklore.
Rupkina’s international fame was further cemented with the creation of the trio Bulgarka in 1975, whose collaborations included legendary musicians like George Harrison, Kate Bush, and Prince. She contributed to the Grammy-winning album Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares, Volume Two, helping bring Bulgarian folk music to global audiences.
Throughout her life, Rupkina remained devoted to sharing her art, performing worldwide, mentoring ensembles, and celebrating her roots in Bogdanovo, which inspired much of her repertoire. Her numerous awards include the Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius and recognition as an Honorary Citizen of Burgas.
Reflecting on her career, Rupkina once said she worked “for the name, for the music, for Bulgaria,” dedicating 64 years to her craft. She leaves behind a legacy of musical excellence, cultural preservation, and inspiration that transcends generations.
Reacting to the news of the singer’s passing, President Iliana Iotova said that “we have lost a voice that was close to the spirit, the East and life, a voice in which Bulgarian memory echoed”. “Bulgaria lost a personality that had her life dedicated to one of our biggest spiritual treasures: folk songs,” the President added.
The Culture Ministry, too, put out a message of condolences. “Her work remains permanently inscribed in Bulgaria’s cultural memory and continues to be a source of inspiration and a guide for fidelity to tradition. As a soloist in the Bulgarian National Radio Folk Ensemble, and as part of the vocal trio Bulgarka, she made a significant contribution to the recognition and promotion of Bulgarian folklore both nationally and internationally. Her performances are distinguished by deep emotionality, stylistic purity, and respect for tradition,” said the Ministry.
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