A former shepherd and farmer, Kostadin Varimezov became a nationally recognized musician during the rise of the Bulgarian Communist Party in the late 1940's, shortly after World War II. A talented and intuitive gaidari, Kostadin did not receive any formal training for the gaida (Bulgarian bagpipe) until late in his life. Despite his informal background, Varimezov quickly learned to read notation and play with the Radio Sofia Orchestra in Communist conservatories and universities. Read more on Last.fm