site.btaFans Hail Vasko Vassilev’s Soul-Lifting 55th Birthday Concert

On Sunday, fans hailed violinist Vasko Vassilev’s Sofia birthday concert as soul-lifting. Marking his 55th and 30 years with the Royal Opera House, London, he played to thousands at the revamped Arena 8888 Sofia with colleagues from Covent Garden and musician friends from Spain.

A concertgoer told BTA: “Many years ago, I went to his concert after a tough time in my life and felt reborn. This time he was again at his best.”

Vassilev's performances in the transformed Arena 8888 Sofia drew ovations from thousands of admirers, who said the sense of closeness came not only from the stage set in the middle of the hall but also from Vassilev’s attitude, presence and aura. “Magnificent. The energy and spirit of this man recharge us, and with such beautiful music. I still can’t process it,” fans said.

Beloved across generations, the Bulgarian violinist was joined by colleagues from the Royal Opera House, London, and musician friends from Spain. This year, Vassilev also marked 30 years as part of the Royal Opera House ensemble.

“It was a great evening, an incredible, genuine experience. I loved it from start to finish; there were constant surprises. Thank you, Vasko Vassilev,” fans said. The programme featured works by Bach, Saint-Saens, Sarasate, Vivaldi, Piazzolla, Albeniz, de Falla, Brahms, Dvorak, Massenet and Rachmaninov.

“He plays with his whole being. He lives every note. The energy he radiates as he plays is infectious. As a musician, he can play anything, it’s astonishing,” people said after the end of the October 14, 2025 event.

“It’s a wonder we have such a performer in Bulgaria. Vasko Vassilev is out of this world. He plays so beautifully that we were drunk on his music. It was magical, magical, magical. We want more concerts like this, we won’t miss the next one in Bulgaria,” his admirers said, calling him “an elixir for the soul”. “We’re very happy and grateful, and we’ll be waiting for him again,” they added.

“I attended the concert with my grandparents, who received the tickets as a gift, and I’m grateful I could share this experience with them. They were particularly impressed by Kerana, whom they saw for the first time and didn’t know beforehand. Some moments left us speechless yet deeply moved. It was powerful to witness so many nationalities brought together by Vasko, who introduced each musician personally and showcased a wide range of musical styles.

The atmosphere was exceptional. I hope more young people attend such events, as the experience is truly unique and far more fulfilling than what you typically find in clubs,” a young woman said. Her friend added: “I wasn't aware that Kerana sings this style of music.”

Yuliya Yordanova, performing under the stage name Kerana (Kerana and the Cosmonauts), appeared as a guest at the concert. She performed the song “Edna”, whose 2021 recording features Vassilev. Later, Yordanova joined with vocals in Astormfuego, an unconventional piece for classical settings that blends several compositions in Vassilev’s arrangement.