News - USA, Washington, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria

Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Bulgaria Stefka Yovcheva was honored to attend the “Muzika!” Festival at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia, South Carolina, presented by Kalin and Sharon Tchonev, founders of the Varna International Music Academy.

The talented singers of the acclaimed youth choir “Detska Kitka” from Plovdiv, under the direction of Yana Deliradeva, captivated the audience with their own repertoire and as part of Ernest Bloch’s choral-orchestral masterpiece Sacred Service, under the baton of Maestro Buchalter of the Metropolitan Opera.

Ms. Yovcheva was introduced by the Mayor of Columbia, Daniel Rickenmann. In her remarks, she emphasized that the participation of “Detska Kitka” is a wonderful reflection not only of the friendship between Bulgaria and the United States, but also of the long-standing partnership between Plovdiv and Columbia as sister cities. South Carolina holds a special place in Bulgarian-American relations, as it is the home state of one of Bulgaria’s most steadfast supporters in the U.S. Congress - Congressman Joe Wilson, founder and co-chair of the Bulgaria Caucus.

Particularly moving is Sharon’s personal story, as her family was among the nearly 50,000 Bulgarian Jews rescued during World War II. Ms. Yovcheva noted that this remains one of the brightest and most inspiring chapters in Bulgaria’s history.

The event was attended by Don Tomlin, Honorary Consul of Bulgaria for South Carolina, and Svetla Lipski, Director of the Bulgarian School “Patilansko Tsarstvo” in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Thank you Kalin and Sharon Tchonev - for your hospitality, dedication, and unwavering commitment to promoting long-lasting cultural ties between Bulgaria and the United States through the universal language of music!

For nearly three decades the Varna International Music Academy has organized and produced dozens of musical events - including festivals, concerts, academies, and competitions - that support the development of young musicians and foster international cultural exchange.