One of the most prominent composers in Bulgarian pop music Razvigor Popov was distinguished with a Golden Century award by the ministry of culture. The distinction means special contribution to Bulgarian culture.. The award represents the seal of Tsar Simeon I the Great as a medal or a diploma. The Maestro said more about his excitement in a RB studio a few days after the event:

“The fact that we – me and my wife were among those awarded came as a pleasant surprise. Perhaps this is due to the fact that over the past few years teaching has been our main occupation. We teach music theory, singing and different instruments. We have another project, again related to kids, which has seen two seasons so far – it is named a Theatre of Song. The Luben Groys Art College has sheltered us. We work with children aged 6 – 12 and also with teenagers. We had an opening night with each group. The audience enjoyed the show along with us. That made us really happy, as it showed that we had reached some of our goals – children to get involved in art and not to wander around the streets, doing nothing.”

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• The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids – one of the emblematic songs of Razvigor Popov and Mimi Ivanova

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“I play mainly evergreens and jazz classics. I usually work at piano bars as partner of my wife or Nikolay Kalchev – an extraordinary singer. I am looking forward to December, when I am going to London, where I have friends at a club for instrumental music. The contact with the audience there is incredible and it gives me positive energy for the entire next year.”

“Whenever I look for the lyrics of a new song, I go through a book of poetry. If I feel a verse touching my soul, I say to myself: “That’s it!” Many of my songs were created for several vocal parts due to the fact that I used to work with a vocal band. A major part of my work is addressed to my wife Mimi Ivanova. She is a good actress, she actually acts the song. That is why my compositions are difficult for other performers.”

Back in the 1990s the couple established a music school for kids at the Palace of Children.

“Once an athlete is done with his career, he becomes a coach,” the musician says. “We followed that idea and opted for pedagogy. Our school is for amateurs only. We warned the parents that we would get the kids acquainted with good music and that we would form their taste. We teach them how to read and make music with all their heart and soul. Whenever we see a child with an extraordinary gift, we advise the parents to show the professional path to the kid. We are really happy to be the discoverers of such talents…”

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• Good times are over – performed by Mimi Ivanova with the Start band

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English version: Zhivko Stanchev