Are back from their expedition to Bulgaria! Traces of the adventure in word & image on  www.tuimamaki.com/blog  and an opportunity to take part in open workshops www.tuimamaki.com/upcoming-events

“Daughters of Orpheus” at Ellen Melville Centre. Thank you Frederique Hurly for the photographs.

Footage of the entire concert can be viewed on this Medena Ensemble playlist

MEDENA ENSEMBLE – The Daughters of Orpheus
[ Celebration Concert (New Work) and Expedition ]

Aotearoa’s premier Bulgarian Folklore Vocal Ensemble, lead by Tui Mamaki, presented their new collection of exquisite acapella offerings – carrying song threads from afar, with a longstanding passion for, and dedication to, the craft. 

“The Daughters of Orpheus” is a vibrant feminine tapestry of traditional Bulgarian song, where classic choral arrangements rub shoulders with obscure rural treasures, at times arranged for improvisation. This song cycle was specially prepared for Medena Ensemble’s collaboration with the long standing New York based folklore choir, Yasna Voices, at the renowned Koprivshtitsa Festival, in Bulgaria, August 2025. 

Orpheus was said to make music so beautiful that stones would roll, and trees would uproot, to be able to follow him and listen… All the women who carry folklore song threads in Bulgaria are deemed to be “The Daughters of Orpheus”. 

During their time in Bulgaria, the singers engaged in some specialised vocal study with masters of the music including Elichka Krastanova, Dina Koleva from the Bistrishkite Babi, Prof. Svetla Stanilova, Lidia Hadjieva, Aneta Emilova, Gergana Dimitrova, Diyana Dessilova, Prof. Dora Hristova and more. 

Thank you to everyone who attended our concert and contributed to our crowdfunding efforts.

WHO ARE MEDENA? A evolving circle of Aotearoa/NZ women, enamoured with Bulgarian Folk Song, led by TUi MAMAKi. This ensemble explores vocal tone, bewitching harmony, playful rhythm and the colourful feminine fabric of a community blend. Be they Classic Bulgarian Folk Choir Arrangements, or Obscure Rural Treasure Songs, at times arranged for improvisation, these gifts are issue of Tui relationship with Bulgaria and its enchanted voices. Medena means “honeyed”!

Highlight performances include Auckland Folk Festival 2025, World Choir Games 2024, VoCo Auckland & Unitarian Church in collaboration with Bulgarian Roses 2023.

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