site.btaSofia Philharmonic Orchestra to Open New Season with Concert Dedicated to Tchaikovsky

The Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra will open its 2025/2026 season with a concert dedicated to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. On September 11, at Bulgaria Hall, the program will feature two of the composer's iconic works, according to the Philharmonic.

"Piano Concerto No. 1 is a work known for its grandiose introductory theme, full of drama and power, and its contrasting lyrical moments. It is one of the most frequently performed and beloved piano works—at once virtuosic, romantic, and sincere, created at a time of inner struggle and creative maturity for Tchaikovsky," the organizers said. They added: "The second part will feature Symphony No. 4 in F minor, a work in which the composer reflects his personal drama, his struggle with fate, and his quest for light. Often referred to as Tchaikovsky's “fateful symphony,” it combines folk energy with refined orchestration and emotional intensity that leaves no one indifferent."

The orchestra will perform under the baton of Maestro Nayden Todorov.

The soloist for the evening is pianist Emanuil Ivanov, who will perform this piece with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time. Born in Pazardzhik in 1998, he attracted international attention after receiving the First prize at the 2019 Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition in Italy. This achievement was followed by concert engagements in some of the world’s most prestigious halls around the world. He has performed solo recitals and tours France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Cyprus, the United Kingdom and Poland. In 2022 he made his debut in one of the most prestigious European halls – Herkulessaal in Munich. He has played with leading orchestras in Bulgaria and Italy. In the summer of 2023, he recorded an album of Scarlatti sonatas for the renowned Naxos label. Ivanov’s performances have been featured on BBC Radio 3, Italy’s Rai Radio 3 and Japan’s NHK Radio.