Accordionist performs at market

Svetla Vladeva sat on a metal chair, fastening sheet music to her stand to protect it from the breeze.

She readjusted the straps of her Pigini accordion. The size of the instrument overwhelmed her frame, but she began to play.

Vladeva is no stranger to the Bloomington Community Farmer’s Market, as she has played the Saturday event four times.

During Tuesday night’s market on Sixth and Madison Streets, Vladeva performed for a small but captive audience. 

Market visitors wandered past as she played waltz, tango and folk music from her native Bulgaria, among other genres.

“It’s such a versatile instrument,” Vladeva said. “Most people hear accordion and think polka, but that’s not true.”

Vladeva said she has played accordion since she was 8 years old. Though she first learned using a keyboard accordion, she now uses a bayan, or button, accordion.

Between songs, Vladeva chatted with friends and answered questions from curious community members.

Her rendition of “Funiculi, Funicula” was met with a loud round of applause.

Contrasting with the upbeat, Italian classic, Vladeva played a variety of dark, emotional accordion pieces.

When the music required, she pulled the rich, minor chords out of her accordion, head thoughtfully turning to the side.

Vladeva has performed with a variety of ensembles in Bloomington, including the Latin American Music Ensemble at the Jacobs School of Music and Kermes, an ensemble that performs folk music from the Balkans and across the world.

She was invited to perform at the world premieres of the video opera “Unicamente la Verdad” in 2008 and the opera “Vincent” in 2011.

“I’m excited to have been part of those world premieres,” Vladeva said.

Robin Hobson, entertainment coordinator for the market, said she finds acts based on recommendations, Performing Arts Series applications, direct contacts or by observing artists performing elsewhere.

Hobson said she first saw Vladeva performing as a busker, or roaming street artist, with her accordion ensemble, In Accord, at a Saturday farmers market.

Bloomington resident Donna Yates listened to the performance from a table outside Bloomingfoods Market and Deli.

Though she usually attends the Saturday market, Yates said she came specifically to the Tuesday market to hear Vladeva.

Yates said her fondness for accordion music started when she was young.

“My sister played the accordion growing up,” Yates said. “It brings back a lot of good memories.”

Music is a family affair for Vladeva as well.

Her son, Seth, read quietly in a lawn chair as his mother performed.


“He’s my roadie,” Vladeva said. “He helps and carries stuff and sets up.”

Seth complained his sister, Madeline, never helps.

In the same way she balanced conversation and performance at the market, Vladeva balances family and music.

Vladeva will perform next with In Accord from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 1, this time at the Saturday market stage.

Hobson said Vladeva has a special appeal because of her choice in instrument.

“I thought she had a unique sound,” Hobson said. “How many accordion players do you know?”