site.btaVeronika Todorova and ClassicArt Feature at International Jazz Festival in Borovets

Artists must be honest and open with listeners if they hope to connect, accordionist Veronika Todorova told reporters at Borovets’ Hotel Rila on Sunday. She performs later in the day at the Dr Emil Iliev International Jazz Festival alongside the chamber ensemble ClassicArt.

Todorova said Bulgarian music is deeply rooted in her life and that two decades abroad have shown her how much she needs it both personally and artistically. She has brought original arrangements from Germany, where she lived, and will premiere her own composition Dance of the Water, inspired by her home village of Debnevo near Troyan.

She says the accordion is special not just for her but for many musicians. It allows real virtuosity and a unique control of tone; when she holds it, it feels as though they breathe together, Todorova said, adding that she has taken it on every adventure. She described Bulgarian folk music as “magical” and still largely unexplored territory for her. “There is great energy there, energy that is mine, because I was born on this land and carry it within me,” she added.

ClassicArt cellist Kristiana Alipieva-Mihaylova said the ensemble felt like missionaries, intent on continuing the work of festival founder Dr Emil Iliev. She recalled meeting Todorova when their children became friends while waiting for their mothers in a rehearsal hall. Alipieva-Mihaylova said, calling ClassicArt a “phenomenal” group with a strong team spirit. She stressed the importance of preserving roots and presenting Bulgarian music even as classically trained performers.

Sunday's programme opens with a work by an US composer and continues with a piece inspired by journalist Eliana Zaharieva, a member of the festival team; the set will blend tango and jazz.

Every player matters in an ensemble, and with that comes real responsibility, violinist Kalina Hristova said. She added that the group deliberately ventures into the unknown because “music knows no bounds, people set the limits, and we try to cross them." She added: "Jazz brings a sense of freedom.”

For nearly two decades Todorova has worked as a conductor and concert performer across Europe. She was named best accordionist at the 2006 World Accordion Championships in Norway and earned the title “Master of Germany” the same year.

ClassicArt, founded in 2017, includes Kalina Hristova (violin, Sofia Philharmonic concertmaster), Galina Lyubenova (violin, Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra), Evgeniya Baadzhieva-Dimova (viola, BNR deputy principal), Kristiana Alipieva-Mihaylova (cello, Sofia Philharmonic deputy concertmaster), Yavor Dobrev (clarinet, Sofia Opera and Ballet principal) and Mihail Mihaylov (horn, Sofia Philharmonic principal).

The ensemble’s themed concerts combine music, narration and lighting. Their repertoire ranges from Baroque and Romantic chamber works to premieres by Bulgarian composers, jazz, tango and film scores, often featuring guest artists.

BTA is the festival’s media partner.