The 19^th edition of the European Music Festival starts today, 21 March, with the opening of an exhibition and a concert in the Sofia-based Bulgaria Concert Hall. Having established itself as one of the most prestigious musical events in Bulgaria, the festival offers interesting and exciting meetings with some of the world’s leading musicians. Over the years, it has featured performers such as Joshua Bell, Maxim Vengerov, Nigel Kennedy, Pinchas Zukerman, Mischa Maisky, Kremerata Baltica Chamber Orchestra, the Zukerman Chamber Players, Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Orchestra and others. The organizer of the festival is the team of Cantus Firm Music Agency with the support of Sofia Municipality and Bulgaria’s Ministry of Culture. The event is part of the Sofia Municipality Cultural Calendar. Daniela Handzhieva, artistic director of the festival, tells Radio Bulgaria more about this year’s program:

“There are three events dedicated to the 120^th anniversary of the birth of Pancho Wladigeroff whom we call the Patriarch of the Bulgarian music composition tradition. The festival’s opening concert will present a selection of his works only. The Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, under the leadership of Georgi Dimitrov, will perform Vladigerov’s Jewish Poem and Divertimenti for orchestra. We will hear also the renowned Bulgarian violinist Mario Hossen as soloist of Vladigerov’s famous Concerto for violin and orchestra No. 1. Before the concert, in Bulgaria Gallery located in the foyer of the concert hall, we will unveil the exhibition entitled "Vladigerov in the 20^th century musical kaleidoscope. Directions, Ties, Reflections" presented by the Pancho Vladigerov House Museum in Sofia. During the exhibition, a new postage stamp will be validated dedicated to the anniversary. Vladigerov's works will also be performed at a chamber concert in the concert hall of the Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music in the rendition of some of the most talented students.”

Another festive occasion within this year’s festival will be the 40^thanniversary of the Pim Pam Children’s Choir founded by the best-loved Bulgarian composer Boris Karadimchev. The celebratory concert will take place on April 12^th. There will be also a special children's event - on April 19, the group of students from the National Music School “Paliev’s Sparks” will introduce the children to percussion instruments. “Another highlight will be the concert on April 23 when three high-class soloists – pianist Plamena Mangova, violinist Anton Barakhovsky and cellist Kyril Zlotnikov will play. They will perform Beethoven’s Concerto for violin, piano and cello and each one will perform also one solo piece with the Classic FM Radio Orchestra”, Daniela Hadzhieva explains.

Traditionally, on the eve of May 24 – the Day of Bulgarian Letters, Culture and the Slavonic Alphabet, Cantus Firmus will hand out the Golden Quill Awards. This distinction is bestowed to 24 notable Bulgarian artists and cultural figures. The ceremony will take place on May 22^nd. On the same day there will be also a dance show entitled “Dancing Europe” with the participation of several folk ensembles. “It will be a very colourful and beautiful event," says Mrs. Handzhieva. “On May 31^st, the audience in Sofia will be able to hear the Tango & Campanella program of one of the most famous and beloved Bulgarian violinists Mila Georgieva accompanied by the Classical FM Radio Orchestra conducted by Maxim Eshkenazy”.

The festival ends on June 23 with the Fire Strings concert by Nemanja Radulovic – an outstanding young Serbian violinist living in Paris. This is his first visit to Bulgaria. “We regard this as a big achievement as he is a very much sought-after artist and we had to negotiate with his agent for over a year and a half. He comes to Bulgaria with Double Sens orchestra consisting of musicians from Serbia and France. Nemanja Radulovic will perform a classic and crossover program. We will hear works of Khachaturian, Vivaldi, Serbian folklore, and others. For me this is a concert that deserves the attention of the audience”, says Daniela Handzhieva, artistic director of European Music Festival.

English Rossitsa Petcova