The concert of two time-proven and repeatedly distinguished choirs turned into a celebration of youth and talent: the „Dobri Hristov“ Children’s Choir at CPRL – ODK – Varna with conductor Galina Stanisheva and piano accompaniment by Bilyana Eneva and the „Fortissimo“ Vocal Ensemble – Burgas with creator and conductor Milena Dobreva, who on October 13, 2024 unquestionably conquered the stage of the XXXII International Music Festival Laureate Days „Katya Popova“ in Pleven.
The event took place in the „Ilia Beshkov“ Art Gallery, from 11 a.m. and captivated the grateful Pleven audience with the beauty of choral art, with precisely selected and very difficult to perform material, with the uncompromising singing of the young talents and their bright artistic presence.
The spectators in the hall were captivated by the intensity of the emotions conveyed by the talented young singers, and by the dedication and love for children and choral art, with which the two conductors – Milena Dobreva and Galina Stanisheva, created the musical magic on the stage. These fragile and beautiful ladies demonstrated live what it means to be completely dedicated to choral art and to such a bright cause as the education and upbringing of children. The choirmasters carved invisible but highly palpable images in space with magical fingers, painted pictures and spoke with their silent but mesmerizing gestures in the universal language of stage communication to bring the miracle of music to life – with absolute dedication.
People like Milena Dobreva and Galina Stanisheva are a national treasure because they take care with patience, love and kindness for the fragile flower of talent that blossoms over time in a child’s soul; because they don’t just educate, they educate generations of children who become valuable individuals; because they do not give up for many years to follow their mission, even though it is so difficult.
Such personalities are the true pillars of the spirit and on October 13th the Pleven audience had the good fortune to applaud them enthusiastically and bow to them for the immeasurable amount of creative work that led to this captivating and inspiring result that was demonstrated on stage.
Both ensembles demonstrated remarkable skill, precision and wonderful musical taste in their a cappella performances of folk arrangements. The Varna Children’s Choir „Dobri Hristov“ also presented classical works, including „Gloria“ by A. Vivaldi, and „Fortissimo“ also impressed the audience with attractive performances of pop songs – especially with the final compilation of hits by the world-famous Swedish band ABBA.
Both ensembles are visiting Pleven for the first time, but have stated their intention to visit the city again to share their art with an appreciative and competent audience. With gratitude for the created musical festival, wishes for health and success and an invitation for new performances in Pleven, the Deputy Mayor Elina Dimitrova in the Municipality of Pleven presented the two conductors with plaques and diplomas for participation in the IMF Laureate Days „Katya Popova“ 2024 and the history of the festival , immortalized in a book by Aleko Antonov.
Among the guests of the music festival were Anelia Decheva, head of the „Culture and Tourism“ Department in the Municipality of Pleven, and Ivanka Deliiska, creator and conductor of the Children’s Choir „Zvanika“ – Pleven.
Organizers of the XXXII International Music Festival Laureate Days „Katya Popova“, which takes place from October 8 to 25, 2024 in Pleven, are the Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Pleven and the Pleven Philharmonic.
