The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) announced the launch of a National Jazz Press Club on April 29, signing a partnership agreement with the Milcho Leviev Association for Culture and Education. The event took place at Sofia’s In The Mood Jazz Club, marking International Jazz Day (April 30), and featured performances by artists including Vicky Almazidou, Antoni Donchev, and Vasil Hadjigrudev. This new venture marks BTA’s 46th press club and its third mobile iteration, following previous initiatives held during book fairs and aboard a naval research vessel.
BTA Director General Kiril Valchev stated that the agency has significantly increased its coverage of festivals, particularly those related to jazz, promoting them both nationally and internationally through its English-language service. Valchev noted that BTA now provides in-depth, daily coverage, including musician profiles and full concert reports. He emphasized that BTA’s media support for cultural events, such as the establishment of this press club, serves to promote Bulgarian culture rather than function as advertising.
Separately, the Milcho Leviev Association 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, aimed at pianists aged 10 to 25, is scheduled from June 29 to July 3. Valchev also highlighted BTA’s long-standing record of covering jazz figures, noting the agency’s historical reporting on composer Milcho Leviev.
The initiative underscores BTA’s commitment to immersing the public in jazz through comprehensive media coverage and dedicated club activities.
Topics: #jazz #club #press
It’s encouraging to see new initiatives promoting jazz culture in the country.
What are the specific activities or goals of the newly formed National Jazz Press Club?