Maria Topalova-Bakirdzi is a Bulgarian music teacher and pedagogue. She is the founder and artistic director of the Men’s Folk Singing Group at the Students Community Centre since 2000. 

Over the years she has worked in municipal and private schools, kindergartens, the Center for Art, Culture and Education (CACE) in Sofia. 

She is actively involved with Bulgarian folklore and has participated in the creation of folklore theatre plays with the “Ha Taka” Theatre Company at CACE. She is a member of the Association of Masters of Arts and Crafts. In her work she strives to show and spread the beauty of Bulgarian folklore and to pass it on to young people. Maria Topalova was awarded the St. Neofit Rilski award for her comprehensive work by the Ministry of Education, as well as many awards and diplomas at home and abroad.