A Musical Portrait of Bulgaria
On January 31, 2025, the Bulgarian Musical Society held its first concert of the year at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Washington, D.C. Staying true to its tradition—offering something for every musical taste—the event once again captivated the audience with a diverse program, rich atmosphere, and deep emotions.
Once again, the grand piano resounded in its full power, illuminated by the virtuoso performance of Georgi Lekov. The young Bulgarian pianist, possessing remarkable technique and profound musical sensitivity, drew from the keys a rich palette of sounds—from ethereal delicacy to thunderous expressiveness. Every tone, every nuance intertwined into a musical enchantment that mesmerized the hearts of those present.
The program was diverse yet deeply connected—like a conversation between the past and present of Bulgarian music. It featured works by Pancho Vladigerov, Lyubomir Pipkov, Marin Goleminov, Svetoslav Obretenov, as well as pieces by a newer generation of composers—Alexander Vladigerov, Krasimir Kyurchiyski, Milcho Leviev, Krasimir Taskov, Tsvetan Dobrev, and Yordan Goshev.
The audience was spellbound—the gentle breath of the Bulgarian mountains and murmuring rivers came alive in "Ruchenitsa" by Pancho Vladigerov; "Nani Mi, Nani, Damyancho" by Lyubomir Pipkov transported everyone into a nostalgic reverie; "Dilyano, Dilbero" by Alexander Vladigerov shimmered in its exquisite variations, while "Polegnala e Todora" by Krasimir Kyurchiyski resonated like a deep, meditative prayer. The evening reached its grand culmination with "Triumph of the Bells" by Vasil Kazandzhiev, whose majestic chimes provided a ceremonial and powerful finale to this extraordinary musical night.
Georgi Lekov masterfully wove folk intonations and contemporary harmonies, crafting a pianistic image of Bulgaria—a country of rhythm, light, and deep musical memory.
Currently, Georgi Lekov is a doctoral student and assistant at the University of Connecticut, residing in New York City. Dedicated to contemporary piano art, he has participated in prestigious international premieres in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Turkey and has won numerous competition awards in Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, and Belgium.
This piano recital in Washington will remain long in the hearts of those present—not only as a display of technical mastery but as an emotional journey through some of the most brilliant pages of Bulgarian musical culture.
It is no coincidence that Ivo Kalchev, the artistic director of the Bulgarian Musical Society, emphasized that the exhibition by Dilyana Kirova—featuring paintings inspired by Asen's Fortress, the Nestinari fire dancers, the men's ritual dance in Kalofer on Epiphany, and the grace of Bulgarian rhythmic gymnasts—complemented the musical evening with a sense of warmth, sensitivity, and the magic of Bulgarian art.
This evening was not just a concert but a celebration of Bulgarian culture—a synthesis of music, tradition, and art. A memory that will linger long in the souls of those who were there and experienced the beauty of Bulgarian piano music.
January 31, 2025
Nelly Tsoneva
Washington DC