Sonia Yoncheva is the new winner of the "Musician of the Year" prize, BTA reported. She won the audience's vote in the national poll organized by the classical music program “Allegro vivache” of the program “Horizon“ according to BNR.
The awards were presented on Friday evening, in the first studio of the BNR, at a ceremony under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture (MK).
The name of the world-famous soprano was announced by Eliyanka Mihailova from MK The opera prima was prevented from coming to Sofia in person for the ceremony and thanked for the recognition with a video message, in which she thanked the listeners for the great honor and the vote of confidence.
„I accept this award as a high praise and a serious responsibility, because it is our duty, as public figures, to be an example and inspiration for future generations. So that they have a need for art and seek the vast possibilities that it reveals. BNR has been an integral part of this cause for years. The voice from the air of the BNR should always be on the frequencies of culture," said Sonia Yoncheva.
Nearly seven thousand real votes were cast in the 33rd edition of “Musician of the Year” (2023). Listeners chose their favorites in five categories among the finalists determined by a professional jury, according to the poll's new regulations.
The children's choir of the BNR won the prize in the category "Ensemble of the year 2023". Dimitar Dimitrov, member of the Board of Directors of the BNR, presented the award to maestro Venetsia Karamanova, who thanked the BNR for spreading Bulgarian music and choral art.
„In the world of music“ of the Pleven Philharmonic received the “Musical Project of the Year” award. Zefira Valkova presented the prize to Vesco Eshkenazi, Veronika Todorova, Georgi Miltiadov and Lyubomir Dyakovski.
Milena Dobreva was announced as “Music Educator of the Year” – for his work as a teacher and choir conductor in Burgas. The award was presented by Prof. Sava Dimitrov, rector of the NMA “Prof. Pancho Vladigerov“ and a member of the public council of the BNR.
Conductor Georgi Miltiadov won the audience's vote in the “Young Musician of the Year” category. The award was presented by Stoyan Karaivanov ("Musician of the Year", 2022).
The violinist Olga Doikova, tenth grader at NUMSI “Prof. Pancho Vladigerov“ – Burgas, became the eighth laureate of the “Olga Kamburova“ – in support of a young talent, which is determined by the team of the show "Allegro vivache". The award was presented by Vesco Eshkenazi.