site.btaBulgarian National Radio Musicians Suspend Concerts over Low Pay

Starting March 6, the musicians of the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) are suspending all concerts indefinitely to protest their low salaries. Conductors and musicians say the move is a last resort after years of failed negotiations for fair compensation.

Dimitar Hristov, conductor of BNR’s Folk Music Orchestra, told the BNR programme 12+3 on Thursday that even striking and public protests have failed to draw attention to their cause. "We preserve Bulgaria’s folk, symphonic, and choral heritage," he said, adding that all ensembles are united in their demands and warning that "if nothing changes, there will be another ‘silent’ month".

He believes that even an average Sofia salary would help retain young talent and secure the future of the country’s orchestral and choral traditions.

The average wage in Sofia was EUR 1,296, according to official statistics.

Hristov explained that a newly hired young musician earns just EUR 650 a month, making it impossible to retain talented young players who want to perform in an orchestra. 

The protest action includes the musicians of the BNR symphony orchestra, the Big Band, the folk music orchestra and the mixed choir.

The first concert that is axed in the protest is one titled "A duet with the impossible" of the BNR symphony orchestra and mixed choir under the baton of Konstantin Ilievski, scheduled for March 6.