The new Bulgarian Christmas musical tradition returns for its eighth consecutive year.

On December 19, 2024, at 7:30 PM in Hall 3 of the National Palace of Culture (NDK), the eighth edition of the “KOLEDA” (CHRISTMAS) concert will be held, organized by the Yordan Kamdzhalov Foundation in honor of one of the leading interdisciplinary figures of the intellectual elite in Bulgaria – architect Dimitar Nenov.

Dimitar Nenov – The Interdisciplinary Creator

Architect Dimitar Nenov, born in 1901 in Razgrad, was a figure with multifaceted talents – he was an architect, pianist, pedagogue, public figure, and composer. According to Prof. Konstantin Iliev, Nenov was the first Bulgarian pianist to gain international recognition for Bulgarian piano art, paving the way for its subsequent rise. Dimitar Nenov’s contribution to Bulgarian culture is exceptional, and his fate was difficult. He is perhaps the only composer in Bulgarian history whose recordings were ordered to be erased from the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) for political reasons. Although institutionally neglected, Nenov is one of the Bulgarian composers who surprises with his musical modernity. His ability to captivate listeners, balancing between modernism and tradition, between the emotional and intellectual beginnings in music, places him among the most remarkable names who became key figures for Bulgarian culture of the 20th century. Nenov was not only a composer but also a mentor to numerous musicians in Bulgaria, whose influence is felt to this day, and his Christmas Oratorio is one of his most significant works.

“He left relatively few works, but all reveal original thought, remarkable compositional technique, and inspired poetry of musical ideas.” Prof. Konstantin Iliev on Dimitar Nenov

For the eighth consecutive season, the Yordan Kamdzhalov Foundation organizes the festive concert “KOLEDA.” Conductor and artistic director is Maestro Yordan Kamdzhalov – one of the most influential Bulgarian conductors and contemporary awakeners, known for his exceptional mastery and inspiring artistic vision with a striving for innovation.

Deeply convinced of the enormous potential of Bulgarian talent, the Maestro founded the Yordan Kamdzhalov Foundation in 2010. The mission of the Foundation, and of Yordan Kamdzhalov himself, is dedicated to the future – to the affirmation of talent, the development of Bulgaria’s international cultural prestige, and the encouragement of the creativity and spirit of young talents. The Foundation operates under the motto “It depends on all of us to live in a world where we realize the potential of the Human Self.” The popularization of the personality and work of Dimitar Nenov is one of the Foundation’s missions.

“Super-intellect. Super-sensitivity. Super-rhythm. Gigantic spirit. Cosmopolitan perspective. Transcendental thought. Anti-banality. Worldly sorrow. Ecstasy. Access to absolute silence. Conduit of superpower. Hyper-organization. Super-tenderness. Supra-stylistic. Supra-nationality. He returns folklore to its homeland – the Cosmos. Giant. Guest from the future. Universal genius. Pain. Victory. Incomparability.

One of the greatest gifts in my life, a person who captivated me in just seconds, even when I was 13 years old. A dream, an inspirer, a thunderbolt, illuminating unknown corners of my consciousness for a lifetime, stirring the most personal strings of sensitivity and aspiration.” Yordan Kamdzhalov on Dimitar Nenov

In honor of the great Bulgarian creator, iconic Bulgarian performers will take the stage – under the baton of Maestro Yordan Kamdzhalov, the GENESIS ORCHESTRA, uniting proven professionals from Bulgaria and the world, will play, and soloists of the Choir of the Music Laboratory for the Human Self, with conductor Maya Vassileva, will be Girgina Girginova (soprano) and Denis Boyadzhiev (baritone). The largest children’s choir in the country – “Smiling Stars” – will also contribute to the festive atmosphere.

“KOLEDA” is not just a musical event, but a true feast of the spirit and Bulgarian memory, which gives us hope, strength, and faith for the future. A celebration that will bring together numerous musicians and art enthusiasts who believe in the power of music to overcome the challenges of time, affirming the new Bulgarian Christmas musical tradition with the music of architect Dimitar Nenov.

19.12.2024 | 7:30 PM
Hall 3, NDK
GENESIS ORCHESTRA
Soloists – Girgina Girginova, Denis Boyadzhiev
Choir – Music Laboratory for the Human Self
Children’s Choir “Smiling Stars”
Conductor – Maya Vassileva
Artistic Director – Yordan Kamdzhalov