About Neli & Niki Duo
Modern folklore inspired by classical music, pop and jazz
The encounter between the famous soloist of Bulgaria’s National Folklore Ensemble “Philip Koutev” Neli Andreeva, and talented composer and classical guitarist Nikolay Peev, sees the inception of a new style in Bulgarian folklore. Their music is original, yet the lyrics of the songs remind us of old folklore tales. True to the singing style of Bulgarian tradition, with layers of rhythmic and melodic guitar, this ethno jazz fusion is powered by Neli’s soothing, textured voice, and Niki’s gentle, virtuoso guitar playing.
Since they got together in 2014, the duo has released two albums, Edinstvena (The only one) in 2015, and Jazzta Prasta in 2017.
Neli Andreeva (vocals)
For over 20 years Neli has been the first soloist of Bulgaria’s National Foklore Ensemble “Philip Koutev” where she has performed the most significant and challenging songs in Bulgarian singing tradition.
She gains international acclaim with her original song Malka Moma, which she performs together with the ensemble back in 2010. Later she will collaborate on alternative versions of the song with big names like The Shai Maestro Trio, Joss Stone, and Zvjezdan Ružić.
In 2014 Neli sets up her own choir, “Nusha”, part of her larger school for young aspiring female singers. Under her conducting and coaching they release two albums and tour Europe and Japan.
Since 2018 Neli has a Masters degree in conducting, and is also Head of the Foklore Singing Department of the National Music Academy of Bulgaria in Sofia.
Nikolay Peev (guitar)
Niki is a classical guitarist, pedagogue, composer, and song writer.
As a guitarist and pedagogue, he has written numerous etudes and suits for classical guitar, issued as study books for young musicians.
Niki’s love for folklore inspires him to arrange famous songs from Bulgarian tradition for choirs and ensembles. His arrangements have been performed and recorded by choirs all over Europe, and as far as South Korea and Japan.
In addition, Niki regularly works on projects that help the preservation and promotion of Bulgarian folklore.
Niki writes all the music for his duo with Neli, where he brings together his passion for both classical guitar and folklore.
“The bird flew off into the skies, and freedom came back into its little heart…”
“Bird”, Neli Andreeva & Nikolay Peev