Mindya Rock Fest returns to the square in the Veliko Tarnovo village of Mindya. After last year’s secret concert, which due to the pandemic was held without the usual large audience from all over the country, this time fans of the event will be able to enjoy a traditional edition of the music marathon. It will be within two days at the end of August and will include the participation of 10 groups.
Nikolo Kotzev’s Nostradamus Rock Opera will be played live in Veliko Tarnovo, with a grand production including 6 soloists, the Kikimora band, ballet, choir and orchestra. The concert kicks off at 8 pm on March, 24th (Friday) at Vasil Levski Culture and Sports Hall. Tickets cost between 30 and 50 leva.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/397832407217200/
Nikolo Kotzev’s Nostradamus The Rock Opera – Trailer 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95wbCKdUSoM&feature=youtu.be
Here are 2 reviews if you want to learn more about the Audio CD Nikolo Kotzev NOSTRADAMUS:
Nikolo Kotzev’ NOSTRADAMUS
Lords of Metal E-Zine – Review, 2001
Does the name Nikolo Kotzev ring a bell with you? Well, I can’t say that I knew him either, so it was a bit of luck I guess that this Double CD came with a small biography, from which I learned that this man was born in Bulgaria and now lives in Finland. Besides playing guitar the man is also a gifted violist, and has in the past been working as a session and studio musician, and in the meantime was member of Baltimoore and founder of Brazen Abott. Through the years Nikolo has made lots of musical friends, and that comes in quite handy with his latest project, ‘Nostradamus’. In 1998 Nikolo began writing this musical adventure about the medieval French doctor and fortune teller Nostradamus. These writings resulted in a Rock Opera, which in a way is comparable with the work of Ayreon, but is more melodic Hardrock orientated. This double album tells the story of Nostradamus’ life in three parts, and the most important people in his life all have a role in this, like Nostradamus himself, Henry II (King of France), Anne Gemelle (Nostradamus’ wife), Catherine (Queen of France). The vocalists who Nikolo hired for the job are all but amateurs: Allanah Miles, Sass Jordan, Glenn Hughes, Göran Eman, Doogie White and Joe Lynn Turner are guarantee for a rich vocal diversity, regularly supported by a grand choir. Musicwise it’s just as good. Like I said an emphasis on Melodic Hardrock, with a supporting role for the 35 man strong symphonic orchestra, which means a lot of bombastic parts (just the way I like it). Nikolo Kotsev is on charge of the keyboards, guitars, violin and percussion, the drums are in the secure hands of Ian Haugland, the professional on the Hammond organ is Mic Michaeli and on bassguitar it’s John Leven. The songs on the album vary from up-tempo rockers to ballads and everything that fits in between. And maybe is this like kicking in open doors, but the production is superb, just like the wrapping of the album, an nice sturdy old fashioned double CD case complete with a thick inlay with the complete story and relevant information. I’m afraid I’ve got another one for my yearlist 2001…
Nikolo Kotzev’ NOSTRADAMUS
Metal Rules – Review, 2001
I am in awe. Brazen Abbot guitar virtuoso Nikolo Kotzev has created a concept album of epic proportions here. Centering around the life and prophecies of legendary seer Nostradamus, this 2 CD mammoth is truly a masterpiece. Split into three acts, the story roughly traces Nostradamus’ life, loves, prophecies, and his dangerous encounters with the Inquisition. The music is just about what you’d expect: Euro-metal in the vein of Rainbow/Deep Purple with dashes of power metal and symphonic choirs thrown in for good measure. Being that it was entirely written by Kotzev, the disc is actually not based around his guitar – it is more vocally driven. Don’t get me wrong, on heavier songs like “Desecration” and “World War III” Kotzev gets to shred like we’d expect, but it’s still within the context of the song. In fact, all the musicians get to show off a little bit throughout the album. Then again, with a band this impressive, you shouldn’t expect any less. Just check out who plays on this thing: Drums: Ian Haugland. Bass: John Leven. Keyboards/Organ: Mic Michaeli. Not too shabby eh? So, if the album is vocally driven, who are the vocalists? Needless to say, it is an impressive cast. As you’d expect there are quite a few characters and each one has either a legendary vocalist or a soon-to-be-legendary one. Joe Lynn Turner turns in a great performance as Nostradamus, Glenn Hughes is fantastic as King Henri II of France, and Goran Edman’s Ghost is cool as all hell. Of interesting note is the inclusion of two Canadian singers as the female leads: Alannah Myles and Sass Jordan. These decidedly non-metal singers blend in perfectly with their male counterparts. I could go on and on here but suffice it to say that every single performer on this album turns in a virtuoso performance. O.K., I’ll indulge myself in one more: Jorn Lande. This guy is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite singers in metal and his work here as the Head Inquisitor is stunning. A brilliant job! Well, now that I’ve rambled on here, let me just finish by saying that if you are even the slightest fan of melodic metal – you need this album! When the time comes, this is going to be my vote for album of the year. Bravo! / Waspman
