The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) established a National Jazz Press Club and formalized a partnership agreement with the Milcho Leviev Association for Culture and Education on April 29. The event took place at the In The Mood Jazz Club in Sofia at midnight, coinciding with International Jazz Day (April 30). The ceremony was hosted by venue representatives Natali Neykova and Vasil Karkelanov, as part of the “Jazz at Midnight” program, which featured artists Vicky Almazidou, Antoni Donchev, and Vasil Hadjigrudev.
This marks BTA’s 46th press club, and its third mobile initiative, following press clubs held during book fairs and one aboard the naval research vessel during Antarctic voyages. BTA Director General Kiril Valchev stated that the national news agency has consistently supported numerous festivals in Bulgaria, including jazz events, both domestically and internationally through its English-language service. Valchev noted that BTA has increased the depth and frequency of its festival coverage, providing daily updates, musician profiles, and comprehensive concert reports.
He emphasized that BTA aims to set an example for other Bulgarian media by naming organizers and supporters when reporting on festivals, viewing this as a means of supporting Bulgarian culture rather than advertising. Valchev added that BTA is prepared to supply freely usable news content for future festivals, representing 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 and is dedicated to the renowned composer and jazz pianist Milcho Leviev. Valchev highlighted BTA’s historical coverage of Leviev, noting his inclusion in news reports as early as 1962, and concluded that BTA’s mobile National Jazz Press Club allows the public to engage with jazz through its festival and concert coverage.
Topics: #jazz #club #press
The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) established a National Jazz Press Club and finalized a partnership agreement with the Milcho Leviev Association for Culture and Education on April 29. The event was hel