The Sun. Our native star. One might say that everyone’s life revolves around the Sun, and without it existence on Earth would be impossible. But why does the Sun begin the story about the TOSKA ensemble? Because in 1995 the Macedonians chose the Sun as their symbol. It sends out eight golden-yellow rays against the red background of their flag. It also made its way into the first verses of the Macedonian national anthem. This Sun was a harbinger of freedom, for earlier, in 1944, the Macedonians had lost their independence to Yugoslavia. However, something joyful happened that year as well.
Few ensembles coming to the FESTIVAL OF THE CHILDREN OF MOUNTAINS can boast such an old age. The TOSKA ensemble from the municipality of Štip in North Macedonia is beginning the ninth decade of its existence this year. Although ANSAMBL TOSKA - DETSKO STUDIO dates back to 1992, it traces its roots to and is a direct continuation of the KUD Vanco Prke ensemble founded in 1944. Currently, Baze Dzodzev is the leader.
At this year’s edition of the FESTIVAL the TOSKA ensemble will take us on a sunny journey throughout their country. Carried by dance, song, fun and ritual, we will see how Macedonian villagers gathered, how they fished, how girls met at village fountains, or perhaps wells, and how they picked flowers in meadows, and how the land was cultivated in the absence of machines... And somewhere in the midst of these images, we will be invited to a Macedonian celebration of St George’s Day.
In sunny Macedonia...
At this year’s edition of the FESTIVAL the TOSKA ensemble will take us on a sunny journey throughout their country. Carried by dance, song, fun and ritual, we will see how Macedonian villagers gathered, how they fished, how girls met at village fountains, or perhaps wells, and how they picked flowers in meadows, and how the land was cultivated in the absence of machines... And somewhere in the midst of these images, we will be invited to a Macedonian celebration of St George’s Day.
In sunny Macedonia...