site.btaJazz by Candlelight: Bobby Valchev and Big Band Plovdiv Dazzle in Roman Theatre

Singer, pianist, trumpeter, and composer Bobby Valchev, together with Big Band Plovdiv, performed popular jazz standards arranged for big band under the glow of 17,000 candles at the Roman Theatre in Plovdiv on Monday evening.

Joining them on stage was singer Claude J. Woods from the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, who, according to Valchev, is a personal friend and a great admirer of Bulgaria.

The open-air concert started with "Cry Me a River" and continued with other well-known tracks such as "Sway", "Fever", "Sunny", "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You", "All of Me", "Save the Last Dance for Me", and "New York, New York".

The summer tour, Jazz Concerts by Candlelight, concluded with the classic "My Way" and a long standing ovation from the audience.

Bobby Valchev has lived in Dubai for the past 15 years, where he performs, participates in events, teaches, composes, and records music. A year ago, he was awarded a Golden Visa by the government of the United Arab Emirates for his contribution to local culture and education. He has performed for royal families in the Emirates and has shared the stage with Lionel Richie, Sting, Chris Botti, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Before the Plovdiv concert, Valchev told BTA: "The nature, the energy in Bulgaria, the people – all of it recharges me deeply."

Last year, Bobby Valchev and Big Band Plovdiv also lit up the Roman Theatre stage with candlelight.