News - Belgium, Brussels, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria

At the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Brussels, on 2 October 2025, in the solemn atmosphere of the St. Michel College – Église, a concert of the Singers’ Society “Angel Boukoreshtliev” from Plovdiv took place – the oldest mixed choir in Bulgaria and one of the pioneering choral ensembles in the history of Bulgarian choral art.

The event attracted a large audience, who warmly welcomed the rich and inspiring program, which combined Bulgarian sacred and classical music, popular folk songs, and traditional melodies from different cultures. Guests highly appreciated the artistic mastery and the powerful emotional energy conveyed by the choir on stage.

A welcoming address to the performers and the audience was delivered by Mrs. Veneta Zayakova, Consul and Acting Head of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Brussels. She expressed gratitude to all participants in the concert for the decision to make it happen and to engage Bulgarians living and working in Belgium with some of the best Bulgarian patriotic and folk songs that touched the hearts of all those present. The presence of a foreign audience is a testament to the recognition given to the wonderful music and the performance of popular songs and melodies from different countries and continents, she added.

The artistic director and conductor of the ensemble is the young Bulgarian conductor and pianist Iliyan Tiganov, who brings new energy and artistic vision to the choir’s creative activity. Under his direction, the ensemble continues to enrich its repertoire, combining Bulgarian sacred and folk music with the classical European tradition and international folklore.

Founded in 1896, the Singers’ Society “Angel Boukoreshtliev” has been an integral part of Bulgaria’s cultural life for more than 125 years. With over 3,000 concerts in Bulgaria and abroad, and numerous awards from prestigious national and international competitions, the choir stands as a true ambassador of Bulgarian musical art.

The event was part of the cultural program of the Embassy and contributed to the promotion of Bulgaria’s musical heritage before an international audience.