https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/rss Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:01:01 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165629-javor-gardev-s-play-the-bacchae-takes-stage-before-some-10-000-spectators-in-e https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165629-javor-gardev-s-play-the-bacchae-takes-stage-before-some-10-000-spectators-in-e Sun, 12 Jul 2026 13:41:00 +0300 The second premiere of the play The Bacchae took place on Saturday before an audience of around 10,000 spectators at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in Greece, Ivan Vazov National Theatre Director Vasil Vasilev told the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) on Sunday. The audience rewarded the actors with more than 10 minutes of applause. Among those attending the performance were BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, Athens-Macedonian News Agency Chief Editor John Georgiou, as well as Swedish choreographer Fredrik 'Benke' Rydman, creator of the stage concept for Bulgaria's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna in May 2026, which Bulgaria won with the song Bangaranga performed by singer Darina Yotova, better known as Dara. The first premiere of The Bacchae was held on July 10 and was once again greeted with applause from the audience. The Bacchae is the last surviving tragedy by the Greek playwright Euripides and depicts the return of the god Dionysus to Thebes and his conflict with King Pentheus. Directed by Javor Gardev, it is a co-production of the Athens Epidaurus Festival, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia and the National Theatre of Northern Greece. Bulgarian actor Leonid Yovchev stars as Dionysus. The performance features Bulgarian and Greek actors, and the music is performed live by the British band The Tiger Lillies. On July 13, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre's summer tour in Greece will be presented at the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) National Press Club in Athens. The tour schedule is as follows: July 10 – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus; July 11 – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus; July 15 – Vrahon Theatre, Vyronas, Athens; July 17 – Petra Theatre, Athens; July 18 – Veakeio Theatre, Piraeus; July 20 – Siviri Amphitheatre, Halkidiki (Kassandra Festival); July 22 – Gis Theatre, Thessaloniki; July 24 – Katrakio Theatre, Nikaia, Athens; July 26 – Ancient Theatre of Dodona (Dodoni Festival); August 26 – Olympia Theatre, Floka, Ancient Olympia; August 28 – Ancient Theatre of Dion, Pieria; August 30 – Lycabettus Theatre, Athens; September 2 – Ancient Theatre of Philippi, Kavala. Culture Momchil Rusev BTA correspondent Ivan Lazarov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165563-bulgarian-pop-icon-lili-ivanova-draws-standing-ovation-in-varna-ahead-of-burgas- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165563-bulgarian-pop-icon-lili-ivanova-draws-standing-ovation-in-varna-ahead-of-burgas- Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:31:00 +0300 Bulgarian pop legend Lili Ivanova received a standing ovation and returned for an encore after performing before a packed audience at the Summer Theatre in the coastal city of Varna on Friday evening, as her 2026 national tour continued. After a set of 15 songs, Ivanova and her longtime backing band returned to the stage to perform Camino following prolonged applause and chants of "Bravo!" and "More!" from the audience. Concertgoers welcomed the singer with a standing ovation as she took the stage and remained on their feet for much of the performance, singing along to some of her best-known hits. Ivanova was accompanied by the LI Orchestra and vocal trio LaTiDa, led by arranger and guitarist Angel Dyulgerov. The Varna performance will be followed by a concert in the coastal city of Burgas on Sunday evening, the next stop on what Ivanova's team has described as her final major national tour. The summer leg of the tour has already taken her to Dobrich, Ruse, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Varna and Burgas, with additional concerts scheduled in Sofia, Plovdiv, Pleven, Shumen, Haskovo, Pazardzhik and Yambol later this year. Although this is being billed as Ivanova's last large-scale national tour, she is expected to return to the stage in 2027 for a limited series of exclusive concerts in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas. A dedicated website has already been launched to allow fans to register for early access to ticket sales. Earlier this year, Ivanova became the first Bulgarian performer to give two solo concerts at Paris' Olympia Hall, where she appeared on May 24. On June 12, she also opened the "BG Radio – 25 Years of Bulgarian Music" anniversary concert in Sofia. Culture Metodi Yordanov BTA correspondent Maya Stefanova BTA correspondent Valentina Dobrincheva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165551-japanese-german-bulgarian-and-brazilian-dancers-win-top-prizes-at-sarah-nora-p https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165551-japanese-german-bulgarian-and-brazilian-dancers-win-top-prizes-at-sarah-nora-p Sun, 12 Jul 2026 08:53:00 +0300 Ami Inoe of Japan and Florentina Trumpler of Germany won the first prizes in the women's senior category (ages 17–27) at the fourth Sarah-Nora Prima International Ballet Competition. In the men's division, the top awards went to Bulgaria's Samuil Nedelin and Tiago Victor Alvarez Santana of Brazil. Each first prize carries a cash award of EUR 2,500. The award ceremony took place at the Burgas State Opera, bringing to a close the fourth edition of the international competition, which attracted more than 140 participants from 13 countries. The competition is organized by prima 17ballerina Sarah-Nora Krysteva and ballet manager and choreographer Evgeniya Trofimchuk. The event is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Burgas Municipality, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), the Burgas State Opera and the competition's partners. Among those attending the ceremony were Burgas Deputy Mayor Diana Savateva, BTA LIK Directorate хеад Antoaneta Markova, representatives of cultural institutions, ballet professionals, teachers, competition partners and journalists. Culture Metodi Yordanov BTA correspondent Galya Teneva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165549-national-guards-unit-marks-147th-anniversary-with-ceremonial-changing-of-the-gua https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165549-national-guards-unit-marks-147th-anniversary-with-ceremonial-changing-of-the-gua Sun, 12 Jul 2026 08:24:00 +0300 Bulgaria's National Guards Unit marked the 147th anniversary of its establishment with a ceremonial changing of the guard in front of the President's building at noon on Sunday, the Ministry of Defence said. July 12 marks the anniversary of the first official escort of a Bulgarian prince in 1879. On that date, the First Sofia Cavalry Squadron welcomed Knyaz [Prince] Alexander I upon his arrival on Bulgarian soil and escorted him while performing the duties of an honorary guard. By decree of August 30, 1879, the squadron was designated as the Knyaz's Personal Escort. The National Guards Unit, established by a Council of Ministers decree in 2001, is the legal successor to Knyaz Alexander I's personal guard. It serves as the Bulgarian Armed Forces' representative military formation and is directly subordinate to the Minister of Defence. It is the official ceremonial unit of the Bulgarian Army. Culture Metodi Yordanov Yoana Hristova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165477-bulgarian-co-production-3-weeks-after-wins-europa-cinemas-label-at-karlovy-var https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165477-bulgarian-co-production-3-weeks-after-wins-europa-cinemas-label-at-karlovy-var Sat, 11 Jul 2026 19:40:00 +0300 The Internationally co-produced Serbian film 3 Weeks After has won the Europa Cinemas Label Award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, the festival's official website announced. 3 Weeks After is a co-production between Serbia, Bulgaria, Italy, Croatia, and Luxembourg premiered at 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on 7 July 2026, where it was nominated for the Crystal Globe.  Since 2003, the Europa Cinemas Label Award has been presented to a European film by a jury of exhibitors from the Europa Cinemas network at five major European film festivals. The award aims to boost the promotion, distribution and theatrical run of the winning films. At Karlovy Vary, it is presented to the best European film selected from the Crystal Globe Competition and the Proxima programme. "The decision to award the Europa Cinemas Label to 3 Weeks After, directed by Miroslav Terzic, was unanimous. As a jury, we faced a difficult choice because all 15 films competing for our award were outstanding in their own way. However, this film captivated us from its very first frame and held our attention until the very end," the jury said in its statement. The film portrays the lives of today's teenagers through their own eyes, allowing their voices and perspectives to shape the narrative in an honest and compelling way. "Miroslav Terzic's direction is outstanding in every aspect of the craft. The film calls on us to truly listen to young people, to stand by them and not to look away," the jury added. Director Miroslav Terzic tells the story of a group of high school students whose bus breaks down during a school trip in Bulgaria, setting the stage for tense situations and long-unresolved conflicts, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival said. Two of the 12 films competing for the Crystal Globe, the top prize at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, are Bulgarian co-productions: 3 Weeks After and Black Money for White Nights, directed by Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov.  Culture Metodi Yordanov Vasil Bogdanov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165326-ivan-vazov-national-theatre-premieres-javor-gardev-s-the-bacchae-in-epidaurus https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165326-ivan-vazov-national-theatre-premieres-javor-gardev-s-the-bacchae-in-epidaurus Sat, 11 Jul 2026 11:07:00 +0300 Bulgarian director Javor Gardev presented the production The Bacchae on Friday evening at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in Greece, where it was met with prolonged applause from the audience. The performance marked the beginning of the production's summer tour in the country, which will include a total of 13 performances. The production will have its second premiere on July 11. The Bacchae is the last surviving tragedy by the Greek playwright Euripides and depicts the return of the god Dionysus to Thebes and his conflict with King Pentheus. It is a co-production of the Athens Epidaurus Festival, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia and the National Theatre of Northern Greece. Bulgarian actor Leonid Yovchev stars as Dionysus. The performance features Bulgarian and Greek actors, and the music is performed live by the British band The Tiger Lillies. The premiere is among the highlights of this year's Athens Epidaurus Festival programme, a cultural forum in Greece that annually presents productions of ancient drama, theatre, music and dance. Among those attending the premiere were Bulgaria's cultural attache to Greece Mariana Petrova, Ivan Vazov National Theatre Director Vasil Vasilev, heads of Greek cultural institutions, and representatives of the Bulgarian community. Afterwards, Vasilev described the premiere as a historic event for the Bulgarian theatre. He told BTA that this year, the National Theatre is participating in several European festivals, including the Athens Epidaurus Festival in Greece, the Sibiu International Theatre Festival in Romania, and the Wiener Festwochen in Austria. “We received wonderful reactions everywhere we went. The productions are different, but the audience is delighted with our theatrical style,” said the National Theater Director.  Bulgarian audience members who had traveled from Chicago to see the performance told BTA that they felt the production raised a number of important issues that remain relevant to this day - seeking balance and avoiding extremes. "We see this everywhere today - in family life, politics, and the economy,” one of them said. On July 13, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre's summer tour in Greece will be presented at the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) National Press Club in Athens. The tour schedule is as follows: July 10 – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus; July 11 – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus; July 15 – Vrahon Theatre, Vyronas, Athens; July 17 – Petra Theatre, Athens; July 18 – Veakeio Theatre, Piraeus; July 20 – Siviri Amphitheatre, Halkidiki (Kassandra Festival); July 22 – Gis Theatre, Thessaloniki; July 24 – Katrakio Theatre, Nikaia, Athens; July 26 – Ancient Theatre of Dodona (Dodoni Festival); August 26 – Olympia Theatre, Floka, Ancient Olympia; August 28 – Ancient Theatre of Dion, Pieria; August 30 – Lycabettus Theatre, Athens; September 2 – Ancient Theatre of Philippi, Kavala. Culture Momchil Rusev BTA correspondent Ivan Lazarov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165175-scholars-explore-pencho-slaveykov-s-literary-legacy-and-his-ties-to-ruse-at-bta- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165175-scholars-explore-pencho-slaveykov-s-literary-legacy-and-his-ties-to-ruse-at-bta- Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:44:54 +0300 University lecturers, literary scholars, researchers and educators gathered at the Bulgarian News Agency's National Press Club in Ruse to discuss the literary and personal connections between Bulgarian poet Pencho Slaveykov and his contemporaries who were born or lived in the Danube city. The forum marked the 160th anniversary of Slaveykov's birth and celebrated the legacy of Bulgarian modernism. The event, titled Pencho Slaveykov Today, is organized by BTA and moderated by poet, literary scholar and critic Yordan Eftimov. Opening the discussion, Eftimov said the initiative aims not only to revisit Slaveykov's work over the coming months but also to encourage reflection on how contemporary society approaches one of Bulgaria's most important literary classics. He argued that Slaveykov is often perceived as a difficult, elitist and philosophical author whose works have been removed from their broader historical and literary context. According to Eftimov, school curricula tend to isolate both the poet and his writings from the network of authors with whom he interacted, making it harder for students to appreciate his place within Bulgarian literature. Associate Professor Velislava Doneva, a lecturer in Bulgarian literature at the University of Ruse, said Slaveykov is not among the most popular authors in literature classes because many students find him challenging. She explained that readers with limited literary background often struggle with his works, making it easier to overlook him within the study of Bulgarian literature. Doneva described Slaveykov as a monumental figure in Bulgaria's literary canon, saying his contribution is so substantial that it is impossible to understand the development of Bulgarian literature, particularly in the early 20th century, without him. She also examined the relationship between Slaveykov and Ivan Grozev, noting that both writers were nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Associate Professor Mira Dushkova, head of the Department of Bulgarian Language, Literature, History and Arts at the University of Ruse, presented Slaveykov through the perspective of prominent literary historian and academician Mihail Arnaudov. She said that extensive research has already been devoted to Slaveykov's life and work, which is why she chose to focus on Arnaudov's approach. Dushkova explained that in 1911, a year before Slaveykov's death, Arnaudov met the poet twice to collect what he described as "biographical and psychological material" using his well-known interview methodology. She also discussed the two interviews Arnaudov conducted with Slaveykov. Professor Stefan Vichev, a researcher of family histories and a relative of writer Konstantin Mutafov, said Mutafov regarded Pencho Slaveykov as a model of both artistic excellence and moral integrity. Vichev emphasized that both writers originated from Tryavna and also knew each other through their work at the National Theatre in Sofia. According to him, the relationship between the two was particularly close. He also pointed out the family ties between their families, explaining that Petar Mutafov and Petko Slaveykov were the children of a brother and sister. Vichev described Konstantin Mutafov as the author of what he considers the finest short stories ever written about Ruse. Doneva added that the connection between Konstantin Mutafov and Pencho Slaveykov was reciprocal, influencing both writers in different ways. The Pencho Slaveykov Today initiative is to be held at all 33 BTA national press clubs in Bulgaria. The first discussion, dedicated to the poet's 160th birth anniversary, took place in his hometown of Tryavna (Central Bulgaria) on April 27. Similar events have since been held in Samokov, Kazanlak, Stara Zagora, Kyustendil, Pernik, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven and Svishtov. The December 2026 issue of BTA's LIK magazine will be dedicated to Pencho Slaveykov. In addition to reports from the discussions, the issue will include specially written texts of 160 words each by 160 people, marking the poet's 160th birth anniversary.   Culture Konstantin Karagyozov BTA correspondent Martin Penev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165045-literary-scholar-gallery-curator-and-teacher-discuss-pencho-slaveykov-legacy-in https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1165045-literary-scholar-gallery-curator-and-teacher-discuss-pencho-slaveykov-legacy-in Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:11:00 +0300 Literary scholar Yordan Eftimov, gallery curator Tsonka Karadzhova and teacher Elena Angelova-Bogdanova took part in a discussion about Pencho Slaveykov and cartoonist Aleksandar Bozhinov at the BTA National Press Club in Svishtov. The event was held as part of a BTA initiative marking the poet's 160th birth anniversary. Yordan Eftimov said that during this anniversary year, BTA is not only presenting the poet's work but also tracing contemporary interpretations of his legacy. According to him, the series of discussions aims to highlight both Pencho Slaveykov's place in Bulgarian literature and contemporary society's attitude towards his work. In addition to his literary works, the discussions also cover his contemporaries, followers and various aspects of his biography. Elena Angelova-Bogdanova shared her teaching experience in presenting Pencho Slaveykov's works. She said that teaching his work is both a challenge and an opportunity for students to discover a different world within Bulgarian literature. During the discussion, Tsonka Karadzhova, chief curator of the Nikolay Pavlovich Art Gallery in Svishtov, said that artist and cartoonist Aleksandar Bozhinov and Pencho Slaveykov shared an uncompromising attitude towards society's shortcomings, although they were not close friends. She spoke about their acquaintance, their lives and their work. The Pencho Slaveykov Today initiative is to be held at all 33 BTA national press clubs in Bulgaria. The first discussion, dedicated to the poet's 160th birth anniversary, took place in his hometown of Tryavna (Central Bulgaria) on April 27. Similar events have since been held in Samokov, Kazanlak, Stara Zagora, Kyustendil, Pernik, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo and Pleven. The December 2026 issue of BTA's LIK magazine will be dedicated to Pencho Slaveykov. In addition to reports from the discussions, the issue will include specially written texts of 160 words each by 160 people, marking the poet's 160th birth anniversary. The Pencho Slaveykov Today initiative is to be held at all 33 BTA national press clubs in Bulgaria. The first discussion, dedicated to the poet's 160th birth anniversary, took place in his hometown of Tryavna (Central Bulgaria) on April 27. Similar events have since been held in Samokov, Kazanlak, Stara Zagora, Kyustendil, Pernik, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo and Pleven. The December 2026 issue of BTA's LIK magazine will be dedicated to Pencho Slaveykov. In addition to reports from the discussions, the issue will include specially written texts of 160 words each by 160 people, marking the poet's 160th birth anniversary. Culture BTA correspondent Nikolay Venkov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164830-sofia-university-to-open-63rd-summer-seminar-of-bulgarian-language-and-culture-f https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164830-sofia-university-to-open-63rd-summer-seminar-of-bulgarian-language-and-culture-f Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:06:12 +0300 Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski will open its 63rd Summer Seminar of Bulgarian Language and Culture for Foreign Scholars and Students on July 13, the university said on Friday. The seminar is one of the longest-running international educational events dedicated to Bulgarian studies and will bring together 89 participants from 29 countries, including students, lecturers, translators and researchers studying Bulgarian or specializing in Bulgarian studies. The programme combines intensive Bulgarian language courses with lectures on Bulgarian literature, history and culture, translation workshops, conversation classes and creative writing sessions. Participants will also attend museum visits, meetings with artists, film screenings and other cultural events, as well as excursions across Bulgaria.  Founded in 1962, the seminar is among Sofia University's oldest international initiatives and has become an established platform for promoting the Bulgarian language and culture while fostering international academic cooperation. Culture Dimitrina Vetova Teodora Lyubenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164604-bta-press-club-in-svishtov-to-host-discussion-marking-pencho-slaveykov-s-160th-b https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164604-bta-press-club-in-svishtov-to-host-discussion-marking-pencho-slaveykov-s-160th-b Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:52:14 +0300 A discussion marking the 160th anniversary of the birth of Bulgarian poet Pencho Slaveykov and dedicated to Bulgarian modernism will take place at the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) National Press Club in Svishtov on Friday. The meeting will be moderated by poet, literary scholar and literary critic Yordan Eftimov. The initiative was launched in Slaveykov's hometown of Tryavna on April 27, the 160th anniversary of his birth. Discussions have since been held in Samokov, Kazanlak, Stara Zagora, Kyustendil, Pernik, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo and Pleven. BTA's December issue of its LIK magazine will be dedicated to Pencho Slaveykov. In addition to reports from the discussions, it will feature 160 specially commissioned texts of 160 words each, written by 160 contributors to mark the anniversary. Culture Tatiana Marinova BTA correspondent Nikolay Venkov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164592-bta-press-club-in-ruse-to-host-discussion-marking-pencho-slaveykov-s-160th-birth https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164592-bta-press-club-in-ruse-to-host-discussion-marking-pencho-slaveykov-s-160th-birth Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:03:00 +0300 A discussion marking the 160th anniversary of the birth of Bulgarian poet Pencho Slaveykov and dedicated to Bulgarian modernism will take place at the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) National Press Club in Ruse on Friday. Held under the title "Pencho Slaveykov Today", the event is organized by BTA as part of a nationwide initiative taking place at all 33 of the agency's national press clubs. The initiative was launched in Slaveykov's hometown of Tryavna on April 27, the 160th anniversary of his birth. Discussions have since been held in Samokov, Kazanlak, Stara Zagora, Kyustendil, Pernik, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo and Pleven. BTA's December issue of its LIK magazine will be dedicated to Pencho Slaveykov. In addition to reports from the discussions, it will feature 160 specially commissioned texts of 160 words each, written by 160 contributors to mark the anniversary. Culture Tatiana Marinova BTA correspondent Martin Penev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164379-bta-director-general-this-lik-issue-is-a-call-to-preserve-cultural-memory https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164379-bta-director-general-this-lik-issue-is-a-call-to-preserve-cultural-memory Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:10:00 +0300 The June issue of LIK, dedicated to Ghena Dimitrova, is a provocation to preserve memory. With these words, Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Director General Kiril Valchev presented the latest issue of the BTA's magazine for art and culture, on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the birth of the world-renowned Bulgarian soprano. Ghena Dimitrova was born on June 5, 1941. The event took place at the Richard Wagner Club of the Sofia Opera and Ballet and was opened by Plamena Girginova, a doctoral student at the Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music, who performed Elvira's aria from Vincenzo Bellini's I Puritani. "We are dedicating the June issue of LIK magazine to one of Bulgaria's greatest opera singers – Ghena Dimitrova. The occasion is the 85th anniversary of her birth, but the real reason is the need to preserve the memory of the people who have left their mark far beyond the borders of Bulgaria," Valchev said. He noted that the issue is not simply a biographical account but an attempt to show what it means for a person to become part of cultural memory. "This issue is a provocation to preserve memory. Not only the memory of Ghena Dimitrova, but of all the people who have made Bulgaria recognizable around the world through their talent," the BTA Director General said. According to him, memory does not preserve itself but requires constant effort and dialogue between generations. Valchev recalled that in recent years LIK magazine has consistently been building a kind of encyclopedia of Bulgarian culture, with each issue dedicated to emblematic personalities, institutions and phenomena. "The mission of LIK is to connect generations. To tell the stories of personalities whom young people may not know well enough, but without whom Bulgarian culture would not be what it is today," Valchev said. According to him, the decision to present the issue at the Sofia Opera and Ballet was no coincidence. "There is no more appropriate place to speak about Ghena Dimitrova than the Sofia Opera – the stage where her great artistic journey began and which remains an inseparable part of her legacy," Valchev said. He recalled that Ghena Dimitrova was among the few Bulgarian performers who became a global symbol of opera, having sung on the world's most prestigious stages and worked with the greatest conductors and directors of her time. "When we speak about Ghena Dimitrova, we are not speaking only about a great singer. We are speaking about Bulgaria, which, through her voice, was present on the world's greatest stages," the BTA Director General said. Valchev reiterated a proposal, initially made by Sofia Opera and Ballet Director Plamen Kartaloff, to have a museum of Bulgarian opera glory established in the Sofia Opera and Ballet building. In conclusion, Valchev thanked all the authors who contributed to the preparation of the issue, as well as the hosts from the Sofia Opera and Ballet. "I am convinced that everyone here today, as well as those watching us in Sofia, across the country and outside Bulgaria, share the understanding that memory must be preserved. That is precisely why this issue of LIK is so important," Valchev said. Culture Emanuel Smarkov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164520-bta-presents-latest-issue-of-lik-magazine-dedicated-to-opera-singer-ghena-dimitr https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164520-bta-presents-latest-issue-of-lik-magazine-dedicated-to-opera-singer-ghena-dimitr Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:57:00 +0300 The June issue of LIK, BTA's magazine for art and culture, was presented here on Thursday. The issue was dedicated to opera singer Ghena Dimitrova's 85th birth anniversary. BTA Director General Kiril Valchev said at the event that this issue of the magazine is a "provocation to preserve memory". He shared: "We are dedicating the June issue of LIK magazine to one of Bulgaria's greatest opera singers – Ghena Dimitrova. The occasion is the 85th anniversary of her birth, but the real reason is the need to preserve the memory of the people who have left their mark far beyond the borders of Bulgaria." He recalled that Dimitrova was among the few Bulgarian performers who became a global symbol of opera, having sung on the world's most prestigious stages and worked with the greatest conductors and directors of her time. At the event, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) Director General Milen Mitev said that the BNR is the country's audio memory, just as BTA acts as its written memory. Mitev emphasized that opera is among Bulgaria's most successful cultural achievements on the world stage. He added: "Fortunately, opera is one of Bulgaria's finest and highest-quality exports. Bulgarian opera singers have enjoyed – and continue to enjoy – fame throughout the world." He stated that Bulgarians still owe a debt to their great opera performers, whose work should be more actively presented to contemporary audiences. Assoc. Prof. Georgi Lozanov, Editor-in-Chief of LIK, said at the event that great artists cure culture of provincialism, inferiority complexes, xenophobia, and poor taste. He added: "[Operatic voices] are a gift from God, but that gift requires cultivation and culture. It is through this process of cultural refinement that people with exceptional talent become truly great performers." Lozanov said that this is the point at which an artist ceases to belong solely to a national culture and becomes part of world culture. He concluded that Dimitrova also belongs not only to Bulgarian culture but to the world's musical heritage as well. LIK Managing Director, Yanitsa Hristova, noted that this special issue of LIK magazine dedicated to the legendary Bulgarian soprano proves the lasting importance of journalists who document cultural events. She said that words, reports and articles leave a mark over time and eventually become a historical record of the talent, achievements and legacy of remarkable personalities and artists. Hristova pointed out that international critics praised not only Dimitrova's exceptional vocal abilities, but also her stage presence and determination. Hristova added that archival reports captured the standing ovations, admiration and affection Dimitrova received from audiences around the world. Sofia Opera and Ballet Director Plamen Kartaloff was adamant that there is no other Ghena Dimitrova, and there never will be one. He described her as a phenomenal, God-given talent. Kartaloff shared: "She was a natural person, not a prima donna in everyday life. She was the queen of the stage whenever she appeared, whenever she put on her costumes." Tatyana Ivanova, music editor for the BNR and one of the authors featured in the magazine, stated that opera divas like Ghena Dimitrova fulfil their own dreams, but also the dreams of the public by helping them reach the pinnacle of world music. She said that Dimitrova, similarly to her peers Raina Kabaivanska, Anna Tomowa-Sintow, Krassimira Stoyanova, Sonya Yoncheva, is an entire universe. "Each of them has travelled an extraordinary path, part of which we have followed and part of which we do not know so well because it took place outside Bulgaria," Ivanova added. Culture Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164421-opera-divas-like-ghena-dimitrova-fulfil-our-dream-of-reaching-the-pinnacle-of-wo https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164421-opera-divas-like-ghena-dimitrova-fulfil-our-dream-of-reaching-the-pinnacle-of-wo Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:09:37 +0300 Opera divas like Ghena Dimitrova fulfil their own dreams and also fulfil our dream of reaching the pinnacle of world music, said Tatyana Ivanova, a music editor at the Bulgarian National Radio. She is among the authors in a new LIK magazine issue dedicated to the 85th birth anniversary of world-renowned Bulgarian soprano Ghena Dimitrova.  The issue was presented on Thursday at the Richard Wagner Club of the Sofia Opera and Ballet. Ivanova noted that this was the first time she had been invited to contribute to LIK magazine. In the June issue, she writes about Ghena Dimitrova, Raina Kabaivanska, Anna Tomowa-Sintow, Krassimira Stoyanova and Sonya Yoncheva. "Each of these great figures is an entire universe," the music editor said. "It was perfectly clear to me that it would be impossible to tell the whole story of these great artists within just a few pages. Each of them has travelled an extraordinary path, part of which we have followed and part of which we do not know so well because it took place outside Bulgaria." According to Ivanova, these are exceptional characters and exceptional personalities to whom fate has given much, and they repay it to us, to their audiences in Bulgaria and around the world, with extraordinary generosity through everything they do on the Bulgarian and international stage. "They are people who fulfil their own dreams and also fulfil the dreams of us Bulgarians to reach the pinnacle of world music through them," the music editor added. In her view, whenever people repeat the cliché that Bulgaria is a small country, they should remember these great figures in the world of music, who accomplish extraordinary things, and know that we are part of that world and of the pinnacle of world music. "We are fortunate to be living in their time, to know them, to be able to communicate with some of them and to thank them in our own way," Ivanova concluded. Culture Kalina Boyadzhieva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164400-lik-magazine-issue-celebrating-ghena-dimitrova-highlights-vital-role-of-cultural https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164400-lik-magazine-issue-celebrating-ghena-dimitrova-highlights-vital-role-of-cultural Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:58:16 +0300 The special issue of LIK magazine dedicated to the legendary Bulgarian soprano Ghena Dimitrova demonstrates the lasting importance of journalists who document cultural events, LIK Managing Director, Yanitsa Hristova, said during the presentation of the magazine’s June issue, which marked the 85th anniversary of the singer’s birth. The event was held at the Richard Wagner Club of the Sofia Opera and Ballet on Thursday. Hristova said the issue dedicated to Dimitrova serves as evidence of the crucial role played by journalists in preserving cultural memory. She said that words, reports and articles leave a mark over time and eventually become a historical record of the talent, achievements and legacy of remarkable personalities and artists. According to Hristova, the anniversary edition is also a reminder of the responsibility journalists carry in their daily work. “Thanks to the archives of the Bulgarian News Agency, as well as the assistance we received from the Bulgarian National Radio, LIK was able to portray the life and career of Ghena Dimitrova,” Hristova explained. She said the story begins with the soprano’s early career and her debut on the stage of the Sofia Opera. Through archival news reports, the issue traces how Dimitrova’s powerful voice brought her international recognition, reflected in reviews and coverage from foreign publications that reached Bulgaria. Hristova pointed out that international critics praised not only Dimitrova’s exceptional vocal abilities, but also her stage presence and determination. She added that archival reports captured the standing ovations, admiration and affection she received from audiences around the world, as well as her performances alongside renowned figures such as Placido Domingo, Herbert von Karajan, Josе Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti, who spoke highly of their Bulgarian colleague. However, Dimitrova’s legacy was not defined solely by her talent, recognition and awards, Hristova emphasized. She said the LIK issue also reveals the personal qualities that shaped the soprano into a charismatic and inspiring figure. According to Hristova, Dimitrova believed that talent requires constant dedication and that those who possess it must develop their abilities while enduring the challenges that come with artistic achievement. She added that the soprano often spoke warmly about young artists who need support and encouragement in order to grow. Hristova also recalled that Dimitrova openly admitted to consulting astrology books to see whether she was following her destined path. “In opening this issue of LIK, readers will see that she did follow that path, she remained true to her mission and left a remarkable mark on the world opera stage,” Hristova concluded. Culture Konstantin Karagyozov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164383-head-of-national-radio-says-this-media-outlet-is-bulgaria-s-audio-memory https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164383-head-of-national-radio-says-this-media-outlet-is-bulgaria-s-audio-memory Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:57:35 +0300 Addressing an event dedicated to presenting the June issue of LIK magazine here on Thursday, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) Director General Milen Mitev said that the BNR is the country's audio memory, just as the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) is its written memory. The June issue of the magazine is dedicated to opera singer Ghena Dimitrova's 85th birth anniversary. At the start of his speech, Mitev thanked BTA Director General Kiril Valchev for the partnership between the two public media outlets and for the opportunity for material from the radio's archives to reach a wider audience through LIK. Mitev reported that there are two main categories of recordings in the BNR archives. One consists of musical works, for which free access is often restricted due to copyright and related rights, and the other consists of interviews, which will gradually be made available to the public. The head of the BNR noted that BNR, BTA, and the Bulgarian National Television have completed a project under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, through which they have digitized a significant portion of their archival collections. "Soon, even more materials, including audio recordings, will be available on the BNR Archive's website, allowing us to hear the voices of great Bulgarians, such as Ghena Dimitrova," he added. Addressing LIK Editor-in-Chief Georgi Lozanov's comments on the belonging of Dimitrova, Mitev agreed that when a talent transcends the borders of their own country, they inevitably become part of world culture. He said: "When a voice is too great for the borders of a country, it inevitably becomes global. But it is important for these great artists of ours to represent our country with a sense of pride in the fact that they came from Bulgaria." Mitev emphasized that opera is among Bulgaria's most successful cultural achievements on the world stage. He added: "Fortunately, opera is one of Bulgaria's finest and highest-quality exports. Bulgarian opera singers have enjoyed – and continue to enjoy – fame throughout the world." He stated that Bulgarians still owe a debt to their great opera performers, whose work should be more actively presented to contemporary audiences. The head of the BNR shared that the National Radio has launched a series of albums featuring recordings by Bulgarian opera singers. Culture Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164413-there-is-no-second-ghena-dimitrova-and-there-never-will-be-says-sofia-opera-di https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164413-there-is-no-second-ghena-dimitrova-and-there-never-will-be-says-sofia-opera-di Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:37:00 +0300 "There is no second Ghena Dimitrova, and there never will be," said Sofia Opera and Ballet Director Plamen Kartaloff at the presentation of the new issue of LIK magazine. The event took place at the Richard Wagner Club of the Sofia Opera and Ballet. The issue is dedicated to the singer's 85th birth anniversary. Ghena Dimitrova was born on June 5, 1941. "Ghena Dimitrova is an extraordinary name and an emblem for Bulgaria and for the world," he said. "There is no other voice like hers anywhere in the world," Kartaloff added. He explained that during his work abroad, he had never encountered another voice like hers. "There is no second Ghena Dimitrova, and there never will be. She was a phenomenal, God-given talent," he said. Kartaloff recalled that his first meeting with the soprano was in 1987 on the stage of the Sofia Opera, when, as a guest director, he staged Pagliacci. At the time, he was working at the Rousse Opera but had been invited to direct at the capital's opera house. His last meeting with Ghena Dimitrova was in 2001, again on the stage of the Sofia Opera, during a performance of Don Carlos. Their joint work included La Gioconda, Turandot, Un Ballo in Maschera, and many other productions. "She is our living example. She was a natural person, not a prima donna in everyday life. She was the queen of the stage whenever she appeared, whenever she put on her costumes," Kartaloff said. He added that one of the performances during the Opera in the Square festival would be dedicated to Ghena Dimitrova. The production features some of her colleagues and rivals with whom the singer competed throughout her life. "The Sofia Opera is still her home today," Kartaloff said. He also noted that a museum of Bulgarian opera glory could be established in the Sofia Opera and Ballet building, an idea also presented by BTA Director General Kiril Valchev during the event dedicated to LIK magazine. Culture Kalina Boyadzhieva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164378--great-artists-cure-culture-of-provincialism-complexes-xenophobia-magazine-e https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164378--great-artists-cure-culture-of-provincialism-complexes-xenophobia-magazine-e Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:36:00 +0300 "Great artists cure culture of provincialism, inferiority complexes, xenophobia, and poor taste," Assoc. Prof. Georgi Lozanov, Editor-in-Chief of LIK, said during the press launch of the magazine's June issue, dedicated to the 85th birth anniversary of world-renowned Bulgarian soprano Ghena Dimitrova. The Richard Wagner Club of the Sofia Opera and Ballet hosted the event. The Editor-in-Chief pointed out that Bulgaria's great operatic voices are a source of national pride, but talent alone is not enough. "They are a gift from God, but that gift requires cultivation and culture. It is through this process of cultural refinement that people with exceptional talent become truly great performers," Lozanov said. In his view, this is the point at which an artist ceases to belong solely to a national culture and becomes part of world culture. "The same is true of Ghena Dimitrova - she belongs not only to Bulgarian culture but also to the world's musical heritage," Lozanov pointed out. He argued that great artists belong both to their own people and to everyone capable of understanding and appreciating their art, regardless of nationality. In his view, figures such as Ghena Dimitrova fulfill a far more important mission than simply creating great art. "These great performers cure our culture of provincialism. They cure it of its inferiority complexes. They even cure it of occasional xenophobia. And they cure it of poor taste," the Editor-in-Chief of LIK said. "I very much hope that this issue will be read as a lesson in how a person becomes an artist of world stature," Lozanov added. Culture Lyubomir Gigov Emanuel Smarkov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164287-bta-director-general-2026-budget-bill-allocation-creates-opportunity-for-news-a https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164287-bta-director-general-2026-budget-bill-allocation-creates-opportunity-for-news-a Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:15:08 +0300 The 2026 State Budget Bill offers an opportunity for the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), Director General Kiril Valchev said at a meeting of the National Assembly's Culture and Media Committee on Thursday. Valchev said Parliament's unanimous approval of BTA's Annual Report earlier on Thursday, backed by all parliamentary groups with 153 votes, was an important recognition of the work of everyone at the news agency. He said budget discussions typically focus on what institutions have not received, but argued that it was time for Bulgarians across all sectors to pay greater attention to what they do receive. "We in the media should be grateful that the Bulgarian people, through their institutions, are providing nearly EUR 100 million for public media - the Bulgarian National Television (BNT), the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), BTA and the Council for Electronic Media," Valchev said. He noted that about half of the funding is allocated to BNT, around one-third to BNR, while BTA receives less than one-tenth. "That comes with responsibility. It means you have to demonstrate that every euro invested generates even greater added value. This budget is in fact an opportunity for the Bulgarian News Agency," Valchev said. Valchev said that, first, the budget provides an opportunity for BTA to demonstrate that it can continue improving its working environment and equipment through projects financed from external sources. He noted that this approach had been recognized in the budget proposed by the Finance Ministry and the Council of Ministers. BTA has projects worth nearly EUR 5 million this year, about EUR 4 million of which are financed under the Regions in Growth and Beautiful Bulgaria programmes. The news agency is also applying under European Commission programmes and is working on projects with the European Parliament, he added, noting that such initiatives require co-financing. Valchev said another opportunity was to demonstrate, through a new remuneration system being developed jointly with the trade unions, that BTA employees deserve higher pay. He recalled that both BTA and the Bulgarian National Radio had sought a 20% pay rise in addition to the 5% increase granted at the beginning of the year to bring salaries into line with those of teachers. "We did not receive the 20% increase - only 5% this year. But I see it as a positive sign that, while remuneration funds are being cut by 10% across a number of budget-funded sectors, Bulgaria has chosen not to reduce by 10% payroll allocation for the public media," Valchev said. He said the additional funding allocated this year would enable BTA to expand its digital storage capacity by purchasing new hardware, as the agency's existing infrastructure has been filled by the rapidly growing volume of photographs and video content. "This must be done this year and we have the funding to do it," he said. Valchev said he could list the things BTA had not received under the budget, but preferred to see an opportunity: "It is an opportunity to prepare much better over the next few months for the technological leap that not only BTA, but all Bulgarian media, need because of artificial intelligence." He said he had already discussed the idea with Innovation and Digital Transformation Minister Ivan Vasilev, with a view to preparing a project for the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence across various areas of BTA's operations. Funding for the project will be sought next year, he added. "We will see how much the project will cost and what new software and hardware we will need. But with the budget we have, we will manage. It could, of course, be better," Valchev said. He noted that the budget does not provide funding for opening new correspondent bureaux. However, he expressed hope that efficient use of the available resources would make it possible to open one in Tirana by the end of the year. "That is important for Bulgaria because of Corridor VIII," Valchev said. "This budget will enable BTA to continue serving as the Bulgarian news organization where people can find the real news," Valchev said. Culture Diana Dukovska Dimitrina Vetova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164263-minister-welcomes-culture-spending-increase-proposed-in-2026-state-budget-bill https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1164263-minister-welcomes-culture-spending-increase-proposed-in-2026-state-budget-bill Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:58:39 +0300 Additional funding for the cultural sector is not optional but an essential resource for implementing government policies, Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev said on Thursday as the 2026 State Budget Bill was presented to the National Assembly Culture and Media Committee. Within the overall scheme, the budget proposed for the Culture Ministry for 2026 amounts to EUR 267,051,700, an increase of EUR 33,307,500 compared with the 2025 budget. Also attending the committee meeting were Deputy Culture Ministers Plamen Slavov, Marina Vasileva and Zornitsa Grekova, Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Director General Kiril Valchev, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) Director General Milen Mitev, Bulgarian National Television (BNT) Director General Milena Milotinova, and Council for Electronic Media Chair Gabriela Naplatanova. Minister Miloshev said the draft budget will ensure the implementation of the Ministry of Culture's core policies. The largest increase, amounting to EUR 27,610,000, is earmarked for state cultural institutions in the performing arts through the unified expenditure standards system. The proposal also allocates EUR 5,868,400 for a 5% increase in personnel expenditure from January 1, 2026, EUR 1,857,100 in state support for the film industry, EUR 493,800 for commemorating the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, EUR 827,700 to cover the increase in the minimum monthly wage to EUR 620.20 from January 1, 2026, EUR 120,800 to offset the rise in the maximum social security contribution threshold to EUR 2,300 from August 1, 2026, EUR 38,600 for higher cash awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the Bulgarian state and nation, and EUR 20,300 reflecting changes in education-related performance indicators. The minister outlined the allocation of funding across the Ministry's individual policy areas. According to Miloshev, "the resources provided will preserve the system's basic sustainability but will not fully meet the identified needs related to modernization, maintenance, investment, staffing and the implementation of the Ministry's core policies." He also drew attention to funding earmarked under the central government budget's Culture category. It includes EUR 153,400 for the activities of the designated Centre for Underwater Archaeology as a UNESCO Category 2 institute, EUR 3,096,800 to settle projects under the National Cultural Calendar, EUR 1,732,400 for programmes administered by the National Culture Fund, EUR 2,141,000 for archaeological fieldwork and on-site conservation of immovable archaeological heritage, and EUR 20 million for preparations and the organization of Bulgaria's hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. Culture Valentin Evstatiev Emanuel Smarkov