In 2016 the "Pancho Vladigerov" National Academy of Music marks the 60th anniversary since the creation of the Academic Symphony Orchestra. That is why today we are to listen to performances by this orchestra.

Today we can hardly imagine the cultural life of this country without music institutions and the long list of talented conductors and virtuoso soloists. Despite the good traditions and achievements in this sphere, the foundations were laid not long ago. The first orchestra in Bulgaria was created in the middle of the XIX century by Hungarian Mihai Saffran - an immigrant who attracted other immigrants to his orchestra. The National Music Academy - the oldest music school in Bulgaria that gave education to generations of great artists and theorists, was created in 1921. Seven years later, teachers and students created the Academic Symphony Orchestra, which made its first steps under the guidance of great violinist and conductor Sasha Popov. Although it has educational purposes, the orchestra has been involved in extensive concert activity across the country. For several years a magazine named “ASO” dedicated to the orchestra was also published. We asked deputy rector of the NMA Prof. Dr. Ivaylo Krinchev why the academy marks 60 and not 88 years from the creation of its orchestra.

“The history of this orchestra is quite contradictory. For the first time it gathered in 1928. After that it changed its name and affiliation. It was in 1956 when the orchestra emerged in the form that we know today. In fact, this is a unique orchestra. With its rich concert program, it is a true school for students. A great number of famous artists have been conductors in this orchestra. Surely it is impossible to name all of them but one cannot miss Sasha Popov and prof. Asen Naydenov, who re-established the orchestra in 1956. Renowned Vladi Simeonov, Konstantin Iliev, Ivan Marinov and others are also linked to the history of this orchestra.”

More from professor Krinchev:

“I would say that the whole year passes under the sign of this festive occasion, but the big concert will take place on September 30. For the first time Bulgarian audience will listen to Concerto for piano trio and string orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu. Professors - Velislava Georgieva (piano), Yosif Radionov (violin) and Anatoli Krastev (cello) will be performers. Conductor is Georgi Patrikov - young assistant professor in the department of conducting. The second part of the concert is dedicated to the 85th anniversary of Tsvetan Tsvetanov -  mostly forgotten Bulgarian composer, perhaps because he passed away very young. He was professor of harmony and composition and guest will listen to his Fourth Symphony, which had been absent for years from the repertoire. I want to point out that all performances by students of opera and symphony conducting and their fellow students - singers and instrumentalists, will be dedicated to the 60th anniversary.”

English: Alexander Markov

The audio file contains the following works:

.  Divertimento in D major Kristian Vigenin 136 by Mozart, part 3, conducted by Angel Stankov

.  Concerto for Viola in C Major by Schubert, part 3, soloist Momchil Terziiski. Conductor George Patrikov.

.  Fragment of Piano Concerto № 3 by Beethoven. Soloist is Masafumi Nakatani from Japan, conductor - Angel Stankov.