Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgarian National Radio Big Band opens the "Dr Emil Iliev" International Jazz Festival in Borovets

Third edition of the festival features Vasil Petrov, Valeria Stoyanova and six days of world jazz performances

Photo: BTA

The BNR Big Band together with singers Vassil Petrov and Valeria Stoyanova will open the third edition of the International Jazz Festival "Dr Emil Iliev" in Borovets.

The festival, which takes place from 2 to 7 August, has become a permanent fixture in the cultural calendar of this mountain resort. According to festival director Dr Tatiana Ilieva, "the energy of the majestic Rila Mountain and the music of popular Bulgarian and international jazz artists come together to create a feeling of freedom and strength".

The festival is dedicated to the late Dr Emil Iliev, founder and director of the International Jazz Festival in Bansko. Dr. Iliev died of COVID-19 in 2020 at the age of 73. Under his leadership, the Bansko festival grew over 23 editions to become the largest summer music event in Bulgaria.

Dr Emil Iliev
Over six days, the Dr Emil Iliev Festival will feature performances by artists and groups from more than ten countries, with three concerts each night, followed by the traditional (for Bansko Jazz Fest - ed) jam sessions. The event will also include exhibitions, author meet-and-greets, a summer jazz academy for children and much more. BNR is proud to be the festival's media partner.





Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Renowned clarinetist Ivo Papazov-Ibryama with a concert in the framework of Plovdiv Jazz Fest

One of the most significant jazz forums in Bulgaria – Plovdiv Jazz Fest, started in July with an edition in the village of Markovo and continues in the autumn in Plovdiv, when traditionally we can expect a meeting with some of the..

published on 8/17/25 7:35 AM
Rehearsals for the opera

Varna Opera stages "Rusalka" by Dvořák for the first time in Bulgaria

An exceptional music event is expected on August 20 in Varna. Within the framework of the Opera at the Summer Theater Festival, for the first time in the history of Bulgaria’s opera theatre and the 78-year history of the Varna Opera,..

published on 8/16/25 7:05 AM
Katya Paskaleva and Milen Penev in the film

Maria Neykova – "Dvama"

Author: Tsvetana Toncheva Publication in English: Alexander Markov Photos: Bulgarian National Radio - archive, Boyana Cinema Center, impressio.dir.bg, Facebook/ Bulgarian films, YouTube

published on 8/15/25 12:00 PM