In recent days, the young musicians from the Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music in Sofia and their teachers had the opportunity to meet two of the most famous contemporary performers - pianist Evgeny Kissin and cellist Mischa Maisky, who are in Bulgaria to give concerts in Bulgaria Concert Hall.Before the start of their master classes held on two consecutive days in the concert hall of the Music Academy, the artists received the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music, presented to them at short ceremonies by the Rector Prof. Sava Dimitrov. Thanks to the colleagues from the classical music show Allegro Vivace on Horizon Channel of the Bulgarian National Radio, we offer you the words of gratitude that Mischa Maisky shared with the guests in the hall:

"I am left speechless! I didn't expect it at all. I came here to see the young musicians, to work together, and here I get this surprise - a very pleasant and great honour. I am very grateful and I am glad that this strange situation in which we live has its negative and positive sides. I had to be in America now. We had to start a big tour with Martha Argerich in February, but everything was cancelled because of the pandemic. So there was an opportunity to come again to Bulgaria, to Sofia, and I hope it will not be the last time."

The Bulgarian audience is lucky to meet this magnificent cellist on the Bulgarian stage for the fourth time. The last time this happened was in early 2017, when Mischa Maisky was soloist with the BNR Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Zemtsov.

Now Maisky and Zemtsov were together again on stage in a concert that took place on March 10, this time with the Sofia Philharmonic.

Evgeny Kissin's recital is on March 11, the pianist will play for the first time in Bulgaria.

On the same day, again in the hall of the National Music Academy, a master class will be held by Alexander Zemtsov.

Edited by Albena Bezovska

English version Rositsa Petkova