By Michele Chavis
The Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra gave a stunning performance of selected Beethoven pieces in the Givens Performing Arts Center at UNCP on Wednesday evening.
“The Sofia Philharmonic is one of the leading institutions in the history of Bulgarian music,” said Dr. James Bass, the executive director of the Givens Performing Arts Center. Founded in 1892 as Guards Symphony Orchestra in Sofia, Bulgaria, it was fused with the Academic Symphony Orchestra in 1938, to then be named, the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra in 1945.
Director and principal conductor Nayden Todorov led the 30-member orchestra, which utilized more than 15 different instruments in a performance of Beethoven’s overtures. Todorov has gained notoriety for directing and conducting several prestigious orchestras throughout Europe. This is his second tenure as director and conductor for the group.
Director and principal conductor, Nayden Todorovled the 30-member orchestra, which utilized p more than 15 different instruments in a performance of Beethoven’s overtures. Todorov has gained notoriety for directing and conducting several prestigious orchestras throughout Europe. This is his second tenure as director and conductor for the group.
Many renowned artists play for the Sofia Philharmonic. Currently, Ivaylo Vassilev is the featured solo artist for his work as a concert pianist. Vassilev has gained recognition throughout the world as a musical prodigy and winner of over 30 accolades for his work, and all by the age of 17. Tonight, he played a rendition of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, stating, “It is a beautiful piece to hear and to play.”
The famed orchestra has won five prestigious awards for performing the works of both classical and contemporary composers, such as Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Gershwin. The group has performed with rave reviews throughout Europe and Asia. They are currently touring through North America, playing 20 venues in the months of Feb. and March.