The Balabanov House Music Days festival will turn Bulgaria’s Plovdiv into a city of music in the period May 26-June 21. The festival has won the Music Project of the Year Award of the Bulgarian National Radio and will present to the audience artists from the world scene. Bulgarian pianist Evgeni Bozhanov whose art has received high acclaim at home and abroad will open the festival. He will perform as a chamber musician together with German musician Valentin Radutiu, defined by the press in Germany as one of the greatest cellists of our time. The two musicians are an active duo in Germany but will perform together in Bulgaria for the first time. More from the festival’s art director Mila Pavlova:

"We are honoured to present the orchestra of Sardinia under the baton of Simone Pittau. Honorary Director of the orchestra is world famous Ennio Morricone. Actually a festival created by Mr. Pittau takes place in Sardinia every year. The formation consists of unconventional instruments like bandoneon, 10-string guitar and others. It also tours poor regions and performs for disadvantaged people in Italy. Israeli soprano Shiri Hershkovitz will perform in Bulgaria for the first time on May 30. In this edition of the festival we will present something new - there will be a live TV show with host Iskra Angelova taking place in the house and guests will be all the participants in the forum.”

The early Christian basilica in the city will be one of the new concert spaces. It is one of the "jewels" of the city, and has recently been turned into a museum. There the audience will be able to enjoy the angelic voices of the Gaudeamus Choir. In 2014 the choir won the Ensemble of the Year Award of the BNR. On May 31 a large children's concert will take place at the Roman Stadium. Among the performers will be the Philharmonic orchestra of "Dobrin Petkov" Music School in Plovdiv and percussion ensemble "Presto". Famous jazzman Ventzi Blagoev will also participate in the festival.

The orchestra of the State Opera of Plovdiv will have its traditional concert on May 29th. Evgeni Bozhanov will be a soloist. Conductor will be Yordan Kamdzhalov.

"A concert entitled ‘American Spirit in Plovdiv’ will take place on June 21, which is the final day of the festival. Four professors from the Texas State University will perform in the concert. Among them there is one Bulgarian - Vangel Tangarov /clarinet/. He has invited his colleagues who are leaders of orchestras in Austin, Texas. They will give master classes for free to Bulgarian students. Those who want to participate can send their applications to the lecturers.”