Pancho Vladigerov (1899-1978) was born in Zurich (Switzerland). He studied in Sofia and Berlin but grew up in the town of Shumen (Southeast Bulgaria). For nearly a quarter of a century the foundation named after the renowned Bulgarian musician has been organizing international competitions for pianists and violinists. The first edition of Pancho Vladigerov International Chamber Song Competitionwas was held four years ago. Its second edition ended several days ago. It was held in the town of Shumen. Not too many people took part at the competition, but those who attended the event showed excellent professional skills.

I met Pancho Vladigerov in the beginning of my music career at the Sofia Opera, Professor Pavel Gerdzhikov who is a member of the jury at the Pancho Vladigerov International Chamber Song Competition recalls. Professor Vladigerov invited me to record one of his songs under his accompaniment. I sang and recorded all pieces written by Vladigerov for basso voice. World famous opera diva Alexandrina Milcheva who is the chairperson of the international jury invited me to become a jury member of the competition. Alexandrina is a wonderful opera singer and a brilliant chamber musician. This type of music making is the emanation of the vocal and instrumental art and requires a great style culture. The musicians who took part at the Pancho Vladigerov International Chamber Song Competition were very motivated and I wish them a brilliant music career.

The requirements towards the music repertoire of the people who apply to take part at this competition are very high, Alexandrina Milcheva told Radio Bulgaria. Unfortunately, few singers only choose this type of music. They do not know that their performance at the opera stage will be easier, if they learn the secrets of chamber singing, because it requires perfect technique. The number of people who attended the previous edition of Pancho Vladigerov International Chamber Song Competition was higher, but this year the participants showed a higher level, especially in the female contest. The jury consisted of Professor Gerdzhikov (Bulgaria), Professor Niko Isakov (Bulgaria), Claudia Viska (USA/Austria), pianist John Groos (USA/Austria), etc.

Peixin Lee from Singapore received the third prize and the prize for best performed song ( written by Pancho Vladigerov) in the female category. She also won the chamber duo prize together with Bulgarian Petar Karagenov.

The fact that each participant managed to prepare this repertoire is a wonderful success, Mihail Mihailov who won the first prize and the prize for best-performed song in the male category told Radio Bulgaria. The music of renowned Bulgarian composer Pancho Vladigerov is part of our makeup. My career is connected with opera singing, but I believe that every singer must know this repertoire as well, in order to develop and progress.

It took me nearly one year to prepare for the contest, Petya Petrova who won the first prize at the Pancho Vladigerov International Chamber Song Competition says. I learned a lot from this competition, although I have rich experience as opera singer. All singers can find among the chamber pieces something suitable for their voice and topics that attract their interest.

The foreign members of the jury also shared their impressions about the Pancho Vladigerov International Chamber Song Competition. John Groos is a soloist and a chamber musician who worked with many singers in his career. He was born in the USA, but in the past two decades he has been living in Innsbruck, Austria

Claudia Viska is a Professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. She was a jury member at many song competitions in Sofia. Here is what Professor Visca told Radio Bulgaria about the Pancho Vladigerov International Chamber Song Competition held in Shumen:  

English version: Kostadin Atanasov