Ivo Papasov

Reporter Matthew Brunwasser profiles Bulgarian clarinet master Ivo Papasov. Papasov was probably the first to blend American jazz with Balkan folk music…but it took the fall of Communism for much of his homeland to be able to hear it. Continue reading “Ivo Papasov” →

EU far-right report

Correspondent Matthew Brunwasser reports on a new far-right political group that’s been formed in the European Parliament. Continue reading “EU far-right report” →

Leper colony report

Leprosy is now a curable infection and isolating the afflicted in leper colonies is fast becoming history. Correspondent Matthew Brunwasser takes us to Europe’s last leper colony in Tichilesti, Romania, which houses 20 people with the disease. Continue reading “Leper colony report” →

Bulgarian rock

Correspondent Matthew Brunwasser reports on a small Bulgarian town where heavy metal still rules. Continue reading “Bulgarian rock” →

Malta divorce report

Matthew Brunwasser reports from the Mediterranean island of Malta — where divorce is not an option for troubled marriages. Malta’s conservative Catholic society does allow married couples to separate — but they can’t re-marry. Continue reading “Malta divorce report” →

Bulgarian Gypsy transvestite pop-folk star

When it comes to popular music in Bulgaria, it’s Chalga. Chalga is a blend of eastern Turkish rhythms, western pop and local folk music. The King of Chalga is a singer named Azis. He’s a controversial figure. Many Bulgarians love him, but he also inspires a lot of animosity. Matthew Brunwasser has today’s Global Hit. Continue reading “Bulgarian Gypsy transvestite pop-folk star” →

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