For the fourth consecutive year, the historic spaces of Vrana Royal Palace are hospitably opening their doors to select connoisseurs of musical art. The IV edition of the “Strive” Festival will be held from June 13th to 15th, 2025, under the patronage of His Majesty Tsar Simeon II and in partnership with the “Tsar Boris and Tsaritsa Ioanna” Foundation.

This boutique musical phenomenon, created in 2022 by conductor Yordan Kamdzhalov (Artistic Director of the Festival), presents a selection of the young elite of Bulgarian classical music. Over three festive festival evenings, leading representatives of the young Bulgarian performing school will demonstrate their skills in the dazzling atmosphere of the Palace before international guests.

Among the participants this year will be the young virtuosos Stoyan Karaivanov and Diana Chausheva, recipients of numerous awards and distinctions.

Stoyan Karaivanov, a bandoneonist with extensive academic training and international experience from Italy, France, and Germany, holds accolades such as the “Musician of the Year 2022” award and first places at concerts and competitions in Germany, Austria, Poland, and other countries. He will open the “Strive” Festival on June 13th with a solo recital, performing world virtuoso works and demonstrating his high mastery and artistic flair.

Diana Chausheva, only 17 years old, is already among the highest-rated young violinists in Europe, a recipient of prestigious awards from Vienna, Paris, North Macedonia, and Poland. At the Royal Palace, she will perform iconic works live in a solo recital on June 14th.

The concert program on the final festival evening, June 15th, also includes performances by laureates from the latest National Competition for Young Artists of the Yordan Kamdzhalov Foundation, who will transform Vrana Palace and its historic halls into a stage for high art.

Also participating in the “Strive” Festival are the GENESIS ORCHESTRA and the Choir of the Music Laboratory for the Human Self. The GENESIS ORCHESTRA unites proven professionals from Bulgaria, Europe, and the world. Driven by their professionalism, experience, and passion for art, they join forces to assert new dimensions and perspectives in the cultural and educational sphere. The Choir of the Music Laboratory for the Human Self is among the largest mixed choirs in Bulgaria and performs in iconic halls throughout the country and abroad. This formation represents a broad civic selection of individuals with pronounced vocal and artistic potential, united by their aspiration to perform world masterpieces of classical music.

Over the three festival evenings, the doors of Vrana Royal Palace will open to visitors at 7:30 PM. The concerts will begin at 8:00 PM. Seats can be reserved by email at royal.festival@kamdzhalov-foundation.org.