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 ceremony took place at midnight at Sofia’s In The Mood Jazz Club, marking International Jazz Day (April 30). Representatives Natali Neykova and Vasil Karkelanov hosted the event as part of the “Jazz at Midnight” program, featuring artists Vicky Almazidou, Antoni Donchev, and Vasil Hadjigrudev.

This marks the 46th press club for BTA and its third mobile initiative, following book press clubs held during book fairs and one aboard the naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii.

BTA Director General Kiril Valchev stated that the national news agency has consistently supported numerous festivals in Bulgaria, including jazz-related events. He noted that BTA now provides deeper, daily coverage of such festivals, including musician profiles and concert reports. Valchev emphasized that by naming organizers, BTA supports Bulgarian culture through its coverage, asserting this is not advertising but a form of support.

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 highlighted that this project honors the renowned Bulgarian composer and jazz pianist Milcho Leviev (1937-2019).

Valchev added that BTA’s coverage of Leviev began as early as 1962. Valchev concluded by stating that through its mobile National Jazz Press Club, BTA facilitates public immersion in jazz by covering festivals and concerts across Bulgaria. Attendees at the signing included the Director General of the National Radio, Milen Mitev, and National Television journalist Boyko Vassilev.

Topics: #jazz #club #press