Bitter Blossoms is an exciting new vocal trio based out of The Hague. Phoebe Kirrage, Julie Hasfjord and Viktoria Nikolova combine their skills and knowledge of traditional and classical music to create a unique performance of songs, stories, and tunes. 

Bitter Blossoms gather and collect stories and songs that have been passed through generations. Some songs and tunes have been carefully uncovered by the Blossoms through ethnographic research and represent the syncratic connections between text and melody. Others have simply been gifted on an 18th birthday by a fellow folk musician. By weaving these elements together with their own musical arrangements and style, Bitter Blossoms seamlessly entangle musical traditions and stories that would have otherwise not met, in a collection of folklore inspired performances.

As an international ensemble, Bitter Blossoms draws on folklore and tradition from their own home countries, Norway, Bulgaria, and England, creating performances akin to the ensemble name itself – simple and beautiful, but with an undertone of a darker nature. Together they love exploring and playing with the beauty, as well as the harsh and occasionally disturbing aspects surfacing from their own cultural heritage.

Performing since 2022, Bitter Blossoms have performed in The United Kingdom and the Netherlands. From cathedrals to jazz clubs to breweries, with a variety of audiences and a number of sold out shows.