London Festival of the Bulgarian Musical Culture
The London Festival of Bulgarian Culture opened on 2 November 2010 with the gala concert of the famous choir “The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices” (“Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares”). Young talents, winners of the contest for talented children organised by the Dimitar Berbatov Foundation, also participated at the official opening. Mr. Ivo Stankov, who is director of „Classical Concerts Productions”, is the initiator and organiser of the Festival.The family of musicians – Ivo Stankov, violinist, who is well known in the British musical circles, and Vania Vatralova-Stankov, soprano – organised the Festival by their own efforts. They have been living and working in London for the past ten years, performing at concerts and other cultural events, organising concerts, and providing music tuition and education. The Festival’s specific formula includes performances in London by other famous musicians by the end of November, e.g. the Sofia Soloists Chamber Orchestra. Popular foreign musicians will promote Bulgarian music, too. One such ensemble is the String Quartet Bridge, one of the most outstanding chamber ensembles on British scene. Quartet ‘Forte’ will arrive for the event from the United States, and the famous London Bulgarian Choir, in which participate musicians from all over the world, will present its new album. For the first time, a cultural centre like the British capital will offer its scenes to Bulgarian performers, and the organisers have prepared a special promotion campaign.
In his address to the guests and participants, Bulgarian Ambassador Lyubomir Kyuchukov expressed his conviction that the London Festival of Bulgarian Musical Culture will contribute to the popularity of Bulgarian art as part of the programme of one of the leading centres of culture in the world. The Minister of Culture Vezhdi Rashidov sent a message of greetings to the London Festival. The Bulgarian Embassy in London welcomed the singers from “The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices” and hosted the mastery hour they offered jointly with the London Bulgarian Choir.
Patrons of the festival are the Minister of Culture Vezhdi Rashidov, Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova, Prince Kyril Sax-Coburg-Gotha, Chairman of the Bulgarian City Club in London, Sonia Rove-Uvaliev, spouse of the famous Bulgarian writer Pierre Uvaliev, and Dimitar Berbatov, with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in London.