Contact info

Address

Osmi Primorski Polk Blvd., 43
Varna Municipality
9000 Varna
Bulgaria
http://www.varnasummerfest.org

Info

Tel: +359 52 659123
Fax: +359 52 659236
mincheva@varnasummerfest.org
http://www.varnasummerfest.org
Osmi Primorski Polk Blvd., 43
BG-9000 Varna

Administration

Tel: +359 52 659123
Fax: +359 52 659236
mincheva@varnasummerfest.org

Accountancy

Tel: +359 52 222425
Fax: +359 52 220101

Varna Summer International Music Festival

With seventy years of history the Varna Summer Festival belongs to the first generation of modern European music festivals. The classical music and ballet performances are completed by special jazz and folk events.

This festival has been an EFA member since 1987.

Festival Programme

Each EFA member manages its own Calendar. In case there is no programme availabable for this year, please visit the festival's own website.

Show all

History

July 23 - August 1 1926.
First public music celebrations in Varna. The idea originated from Varna culture promoters Ghertcho Ghertchev, Ivan Kamburov, Vassil Stavrev, Naiden Naidenov, Yordan Todorov, warmly supported by the composers Dobri Hristov, Pantcho Vladigerov, Maestro Georgi Atanasov. After a break of 3 years (1932 - 1935) the celebrations are resumed and last until 1939 (in 1938 it was first attempted to make the celebrations international) and are stopped again with the beginning of World War II.
1957. Varna summer music celebrations are resumed under the name of "Varna Summer". Gradually they attract the best Bulgarian performers and ensembles as well as world-famous foreign performers.
1964. The First International Ballet Competition in the world was held.
1966. The Festival becomes yearly under the name of "Varna Summer".
1987. Varna Summer International Music Festival becomes a member of the European Festivals Association, with a seat in Geneve.

During its 70 years' existence the Festival has achieved national and international recognition. It has contributed greatly for the promotion of Bulgarian musical composing and performing art. The slogan of the founders "to bring together the greatest music authorities in the country" has found its followers in the promotion of Bulgarian musical art today.

A great number of Bulgarian music pieces have been first performed at Varna Summer. In the overall image of the festival feature masterpieces of Bulgarian and world music with a diversity of genres and performance of renowned musicians. Varna Music Institutions and renowned Bulgarian performers and groups traditionally perform here.

Foreign soloists, conductors, symphony and chamber orchestras, choirs, ballet ensembles of world value impress with their yearly presence. Premiers feature largely in each year's editions. The cycles "Days of the Young Chamber Performer" and "Early Music" are also met with great interest. Since 1984 Varna Summer Academy has featured within the festival. The Master classes are conducted by tutors and performers of international authority and fame. Since 1993 Varna Summer has been enriched by the Scientific Meetings.

<- Back to all EFA members

European Festivals Association (EFA)
Kleine Gentstraat 46, B-9051 Gent, Belgium
T: +32 9 241 8080 F: +32 9 241 8089 -