The founder of the International Jazz Festival in Bansko, Dr. Emil Iliev, has died of Covid-19 at the age of 73, representatives of the festival told BNR. With its 23 editions so far, the International Jazz Festival in Bulgaria's town of Bansko has turned into the biggest summer music festival in the country. It is also among the most significant international cultural events in the Balkans.

Dr. Emil Iliev studied medicine, majoring in dermatology, venereology and acupuncture. In 1982, he became the founder and chairman of the Bulgarian Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He was also a member of the board of directors of the World Acupuncture Organization. 

“As creator of the International Jazz Festival he left his heart and soul in a cause that was embraced by many jazz fans all over the world. A remarkable person who will leave his mark in the history of Bansko,” the post on the jazz festival’s website reads.