Sets Up Mobile Thematic Press Club to Promote Jazz

The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) established a National Jazz Press Club and signed a partnership agreement with the Milcho Leviev Association for Culture and Education on April 29. The event, which occurred at the In The Mood Jazz Club in Sofia, marked International Jazz Day (April 30). Representatives Natali Neykova and Vasil Karkelanov hosted the occasion as part of the “Jazz at Midnight” program, featuring artists Vicky Almazidou, Antoni Donchev, and Vasil Hadjigrudev.

This Jazz Press Club is BTA’s 46th press club and its third mobile iteration, following book press clubs held at book fairs and one situated on a naval research vessel during voyages to and from Antarctica. BTA Director General Kiril Valchev stated that the national news agency has systematically supported numerous festivals in Bulgaria, including jazz-related events. He noted that BTA promotes such events both domestically and internationally through its English-language service, providing in-depth, daily coverage, including musician profiles and full concert reports.

Valchev emphasized that BTA aims to set an example for other Bulgarian media by naming organizers and supporters when covering festivals, positioning it as a form of cultural support rather than advertising. He added that the agency is prepared to provide freely usable news content for future festivals, viewing it as a contribution from the Bulgarian state. The Milcho Leviev Association also announced the 3rd Milcho Leviev National Music Competition, supported by the Municipality of Plovdiv and the Dobrin Petkov National School of Music and Dance Arts.

This competition, for pianists aged 10 to 25, is scheduled from June 29 to July 3. Singer Vicky Almazidou noted the project’s connection to renowned composer and jazz pianist Milcho Leviev (1937-2019). Valchev highlighted BTA’s historical coverage of Leviev, dating back to 1962, and concluded by stating that through its mobile Jazz Press Club coverage, BTA allows the public to engage with jazz.

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