сп. Черга: MAJESTIC PINES, CRYSTAL AIR… AND JAZZ!

From 1 to 6 August, the mountain resort of Borovets hosted for the fourth time the International Jazz Festival “Dr. Emil Iliev.” As described by Dr. Eng. Angel Djorgov – Mayor of the Municipality of Samokov – it was “jazz of the highest class” and a demonstration that culture, tourism, and nature can exist in complete harmony and unity.

In keeping with tradition, the festival opened with the Big Band of the Bulgarian National Radio and the much-loved singer Orlin Pavlov. This year, the National Radio celebrates its 90th anniversary and 65 years since the founding of its Big Band. Since 2010, the ensemble’s principal conductor has been Antoni Donchev – a musician of proven calibre, effortlessly mastering diverse forms of performance. Orlin Pavlov needs no introduction: for 20 years he has shone not only as a singer, but also as a dancer, film actor, television host, and more. A novelty this year was the appearance of the charming eight-year-old Danaya Aleksandrova from Dryanovo, who has been performing on the music scene in Bulgaria and abroad since the age of five. She already holds over 130 gold awards and is confidently advancing towards major achievements in both music and cinema.

Over the six festival days, the open-air stage in front of the Rila Hotel welcomed large audiences to enjoy the superb performances of both Bulgarian and international groups. Among them were the Swedish band Dirty Loops, CLASSICART Bulgaria with soloist Veronika Todorova – proclaimed in 2006 at the World Accordion Championship in Norway as the best accordionist in the world.

Also impressive was the performance of the French trio Nguyên Lê “Silk & Sand” – the name symbolising the silk that weaves together the musicians’ interplay, and the desert sand that metaphorically follows their dreams towards new places and emotions.

The Bulgarian “Triplet Trio” with popular soloist Aleksandar Deyanov – SkilleR – received thunderous ovations. At just 19, SkilleR became Bulgaria’s first beatbox champion, blending traditional hip-hop influences with a wide range of styles. That same evening the stage came alive with Zone C Bulgaria, featuring Stoyan Yankoulov – Stundji (drums), Veselin Veselinov – Eko (bass), Vasil Spasov (piano), and Miroslav Ivanov (guitar).

The following day featured performances by the Iris Jønster Quartet and the Dimitar Lyolev Quartet – Netherlands/Bulgaria.

The final festival night belonged to the Miro Ivanov Quartet Bulgaria, Ire Vasquez, and Kalin Velyov & Los Papis – Cuba/Bulgaria – who set passions ablaze with ethno-jazz elements and the debut of their first original studio tracks.

The festival days also offered a rich accompanying programme:

– Presentations of books by journalist and writer Violeta Tsvetkova – Visoko (“High”) about renowned Bulgarian volleyball player Vladimir Nikolov, and Nasame s Nezabravimite (“Alone with the Unforgettable”), a collection of interviews with 45 distinguished Bulgarian artists.
– Film critic and journalist Prof. Dr. Bozhidar Manov presented his latest children’s book What Is It? Riddles in Verse.

Another Borovets Jazz Fest came to a close, charging the numerous fans with good cheer and positive emotions. As noted at the opening by Dr. Tatyana Ilieva – Festival Director and worthy successor of her husband, Dr. Emil Iliev – “The prestigious Jazz Forum is an integral part of Samokov’s cultural calendar and a magnet for summer tourists. And you, dear friends, with your enthusiastic applause, give meaning and substance to the festival and give us hope that this event must continue to exist and endure through the years.”

Author: Natalia Veleva
Photos: Viktor Viktorov