"I grew up in the midst of armed conflict and I can still remember the roar of bombs, she says. Therefore, it is important for me to bring people together, to create an environment in which they communicate, seek common ground between different cultures. In this respect, art has priceless opportunities. I am grateful that I am a musician. I believe musicians have a secret mission in the world - to unite people and to create beauty out of diversity", Christiane says. Her interest in various folk traditions appeared only later, but has dominated her daily pursuits ever since. She says it is a journey to her own roots, which are scattered around the world.

This year's festival which Christiane organizes was devoted to Armenian music . The first three days as usual were full of rehearsals, individual and ensemble activities. The gala concert of all participants started with Bulgarian music - the Pletenitsa choir and the dancers from the Ludo Mlado ensemble for Bulgarian Folklore based in Boston. "I must have Bulgarian music around me constantly, it makes my heart beat with joy," says the beautiful professor. On March 3, Bulgaria's National Day of Liberation, she wrote in her Facebook profile: "Happy birthday, Bulgaria!"

Chrisiane talks to RB's Albena Bezovska in a special interview for Radio Bulgaria which you can hear in the audio file.

The audio file contains live recordings of Pletenitsa choir of the following Bulgarian folk songs:

Kaval sviri (The shepherd’s flute is playing)

Ergen Deda (The old bachelor)

Young maiden Dragana and the nightingale

English version: Rossitsa Petcova

Photos: courtesy to Christiane Karam