Ivan Shopov, Carmen Rizzo & Dhani Harrison Collaborate On Ascending Into Silence Feat. New Bulgarian Voices & Georgi Petkov

Dark Horse Records is proud to announce the release of Ascending Into Silence, the first-ever collaboration between Ivan Shopov, Carmen Rizzo and Dhani Harrison, featuring New Bulgarian Voices as conducted by Georgi Petkov. LISTEN HERE

The timeless beauty of Bulgarian female voices takes center stage on the album, with string arrangements by Davide Rossi and mastered by three-time Grammy-winner Paul Hicks. Ascending Into Silence will be available for streaming on Nov. 14, and a very special limited edition Transparent Green Vinyl will be released for RSD Black Friday on Nov. 28.

"The album blends the rich heritage of Bulgarian choral music with contemporary electronic textures and rhythms. Ascending Into Silence unfolds as an intimate, mystical and meditative sonic journey. Throughout, it’s a transcendent fusion of past and future that unites folklore and future in perfect harmony.

Conceived in Sofia, Bulgaria, where Shopov and Rizzo began the early sketches, the project evolved as Harrison joined following his and Rizzo’s previous collaboration with Tuvan throat singers Huun-Huur-Tu. The final recordings took place across Sofia, Prague and Henley-on-Thames, where Rossi’s strings helped crystallize the album’s cinematic tone.

"I grew up listening to the now world famous album, 'Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares'. My father, who was perhaps the greatest fan of the music of the Bulgarian Ladies Choir, even invited the 'Trio Bulgarka' to Friar Park Studios to perform live. I was 12 years old when I first was in the room with these frequencies and harmonies that I had never before experienced in the flesh and it changed the way I heard music forever. Now, some 35 years later, I have had the privilege to work and collaborate with the current generation of Bulgarian ladies known as the 'New Bulgarian Voices', who have rekindled this feeling in music for me. To all involved in this project, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Once again, to all music lovers out there looking for something they may have not discovered yet; I hope you dig it." - Dhani Harrison

“This album bridges worlds – the ancient Bulgarian spirit and modern electronic expression – a true homecoming for me, honoring the roots that shaped my sound while reaching toward something timeless and infinite.” - Ivah Shopov

"I’ve been a fan of Bulgarian female choir music since the ’90s. When the opportunity came to collaborate with two of my dearest friends, Ivan & Dhani—people I deeply love and respect to reimagine this sound through a modern lens—it truly felt like a dream. We wanted to present our vision in a dark, mystical, yet romantic way, honoring the deep history of Bulgaria while expressing it through an elegant electronic world. I’m so proud of this album!" – Carmen Rizzo

"Ascending Into Silence track list:

  1. Kalimanko’s Lament

  2. Whispers Among The Mountains

  3. Harmonia Sofia

  4. Woven Shadows

  5. A Gathering Of Hearts

  6. The Fragile Echo

  7. Chants Of The Infinite

  8. Romance Of The Divine

  9. My Dear Friend, The Wind