Formed in 2017, Eastern Passage is known for combining the harmonic language and groove of modern jazz with the rhythmic and emotional richness of Bulgarian folklore. Recorded in 2024, the album captures this distinctive musical blend, while the concert will also introduce brand-new material from the quartet’s current repertoire. The programme highlights a style that crosses genre boundaries while remaining rooted in Bulgarian musical tradition.

Vladimir Karparov and Asen Doykin have shaped Eastern Passage into a project that reflects both artistic continuity and cross-cultural experimentation. Their collaboration shows how contemporary Bulgarian musicians engage with international jazz networks while preserving the expressive textures of their own heritage. In this sense, the concert is not only a performance but also a cultural statement about the global circulation of Bulgarian music.

The event also reflects the broader role of the Bulgarisches Kulturinstitut in Berlin as a platform for cultural diplomacy. By presenting Bulgarian artists in one of Europe’s major music capitals, the institute strengthens Bulgaria’s cultural visibility in Germany and supports long-term artistic exchange. Such initiatives contribute to the creative economy as well, helping independent musicians build audiences, professional networks, and international recognition.

Ultimately, Eastern Passage demonstrates how jazz can serve as a meeting point between tradition and innovation. Through this album release concert, Bulgarian music gains a prominent public stage in Berlin while reinforcing the institutional ties that sustain cultural dialogue between Bulgaria and Germany.

• https://www.bulgarisches-kulturinstitut.de/konzert-album-release-eastern-passage/