The article was prepared by Snejana Iovtcheva and Silviya Mihaleva
Technical layout by: Didi Hatcher
On November 16, 2024, at the Bulgarian school and center in Billerica, students, teachers, and parents had the pleasure of participating in a long-awaited meeting with Antonina Duridanova, the author of "New Beginnings - Escape from the Iron Curtain to America" and "Magic for Longevity". Patrick Yacono, a connoisseur and performer of Bulgarian folk music, as well as a passionate lover of Bulgarian culture, also joined the gathering.
This wonderful initiative was organized by Nadia Ullman, the teacher of Bulgarian for adults at the Bulgarian Center in New England. The meeting supplemented the students' Saturday classes and enriched their knowledge of the Bulgarian language and culture.
During the meeting, we had the opportunity to hear about the interesting life stories of two individuals who embraced challenges on their journey to a new culture and world. Their willingness to take risks and turn them into opportunities marked their successes and brought them satisfaction in exploring new horizons.
Antonina Duridanova shared nostalgic memories of her childhood in Bulgaria and the events that led to her emigration. Her heartfelt narratives conveyed emotions such as love for her homeland, sadness from the communist era, desire for world access, motivation for success, and satisfaction in giving back to her country. Her two books reflect the pulse and colors of these emotions and ambitions. Mrs. Duridanova currently resides in Texas and teaches children in South Carolina.
In addition to being a musician in various folk ensembles in Boston, Patrick Yacono also dances and showcases Bulgarian folk dances at the New England Folklore Center. He is a member of the men's choir "Zornitsa", led by Tatiana Sarbinska. Mr. Yacono discovered Bulgarian culture as a student and now shared his love for Bulgarian music, particularly the diversity and uniqueness of the uneven rhythms. During the meeting, he played the kaval and bagpipe for the guests, explaining how these instruments are made and how the sounds and melodies are formed. Despite being a chemist by education and profession, Mr. Yacono has dedicated a significant part of his life to Bulgarian culture, with a strong command of the Bulgarian language and active involvement in initiatives to promote folk music.
"I am thrilled to have met wonderful people from Boston and shared insights on freedom and success from my books, 'New Beginnings - Escape from the Iron Curtain to America' and 'Magic of Longevity', at the event organized by Nadia Ullman. The presence of an American musician playing the kaval and bagpipes filled the evening with emotions. Farewell and until we meet again, dear friends from Boston," Ms.Duridanova wrote on her Facebook page the day after the event.