This year Bulgaria marks the 185th anniversary of the birth of teacher, playwright and journalist from the period of the Bulgarian National Revival, Dobri Voynikov, as well as 160 years since the founding of the first Bulgarian student’s choir (created by Voynikov) and 150 years of the debut of the first Bulgarian actresses, including Voynikov's wife.

On the occasion of these remarkable anniversaries in the hometown of the prominent Bulgarian – Shumen, four days of celebrations are held. They started on November21 with the presentation of the book "Manuscript Collections of Musical Works by Dobri Voynikov" – a photo edition of manuscripts from the fund of house-museum "Dobri Voynikov" in Shumen. Compilers are Krassimira Chalakova and Dimitar Stoykov. An international scientific conference on the topic of "Music activities of encyclopedist Dobri Voynikov (1833-1878)" is also held. Dr. Krassimira Koleva, who has been lecturer in Bulgarian language, literature and culture for several years in Bohdan Khmelnytsky University in Ukraine participates in the forum.

A big concert was held on November 22 with the participation of Symphonieta –Shumen, "Bodra pesen" Children's Choir, “Rodni zvutsi” mixed choir, academic choir formation "Prof. Veneta Vicheva" at the University of Shumen, and others.

The finale of the festivities is on the 24th of November in front the house- museum "Dobri Voynikov" when popular songs by the teacher and musician will be presented. Excerpts of his play "The Misunderstood Civilization” (1873), which remains popular even today, will also be performed.

English: Alexander Markov