site.btaSofia Philharmonic: Maestro Nayden Todorov Receives French Order of Arts and Letters

One of Bulgaria’s most distinguished conductors and cultural leaders, Maestro Nayden Todorov, has been awarded one of France’s highest honors - a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres), the Sofia Philharmonic said on Friday.

The award was presented during an official ceremony at the French Embassy in Sofia by French Ambassador to Bulgaria Joël Meyer, who said that Naydenov upholds a deeply European vision of culture, founded on freedom, respect for diversity, memory, and education.

On social media, Maestro Todorov wrote:
“I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude to the French Minister of Culture, Mrs. Rachida Dati, and to Ambassador Joël Meyer, as well as to all the colleagues from the French Cultural Institute and the Embassy of the Republic of France in Bulgaria for the great honor of receiving this prestigious distinction - Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. I am deeply moved and thankful for this high recognition. France has always been a model of state support for culture, and this is an additional motivation for me to continue on the path I’ve chosen. Thank you to all the friends who made the occasion festive with their presence!”

The Order of Arts and Letters is awarded by the French Ministry of Culture to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature, as well as to their promotion and cultural influence internationally.

This recognition comes just a few months after Maestro Todorov was also awarded the Order of Cultural Merit in the rank of Grand Officer by the President of Romania, which is yet another acknowledgment of his role in establishing culture as a bridge between nations.