The "Apollonia" arts festivals in Sozopol were officially opened last night, BTA reported.
"In my mind “Apollonia“ is a journey that, with its permanence, has given meaning to the creative flame of hundreds of artists. The scenes of “Apollonia“ have provided a platform for many artists, artists, directors, singers, who in turn have given thanks with the best of their creativity. The 40-year history of the festival is filled with many vicissitudes and imbued with many emotions. I would even say drama", said the mayor of Sozopol municipality Tihomir Yanakiev.
„The magic of „Apollonia” is indisputable. The contribution of the festival to the cultural life of Sozopol and to Bulgaria is also indisputable. The symbiosis between “Apollonia“ and the city of Sozopol is also indisputable“, added the mayor of Sozopol.
“I never imagined that I would live to see this 40th anniversary and my joy is endless“, said the founder of the Arts Festivals “Apollonia“ Prof. Dimo Dimov. According to him, art is what led people in the history of Sozopol.
40 years in Sozopol, I think we are doing miracles. I say this because I truly believe that you feel it in your heart. These 40 years were very exciting, wonderful. And this year we have made an amazing program that is thought out in detail, said the executive director of the “Apollonia“ art foundation. Margarita Dimitrova. She noted that over ten theater performances, over 20 concerts, 19 literary presentations, some of which are premieres, and five exhibitions will be presented within the framework of the festival this year.
Dimitrova pointed out that the "Apollon Toxophoros" honorary award has been presented for 25 years. This year she is going to the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, she announced. “You have been our most loyal media partner for 40 years”, she told BTA General Director Kiril Valchev, handing him the statuette.
„For 25 years since the award of the Festivals of Arts “Apollonia“ was established, “Apollon Toxophoros“ (“the bearer of the bow“) have received many remarkable personalities whose bow is talent in various arts. These were most often individual artists, but there were also collective carriers - two artists each, musical groups, a production house, the city hosting the festival Sozopol. In the 25th year since the establishment of the award, however, it is the first time a state institution has received it, which currently employs more than 300 people, and in the 40-year history of “Apollonia” thousands have passed through it - an example of the power of accumulation, which always leads to progress in every sphere of life, as an example of the four decades of “Apollonia” itself, said the general director of BTA Kiril Valchev from the stage of “Apollonia” .
He noted that in the amphitheater in Sozopol there is also one of the symbols of the connection between “Apollonia“ and BTA, which has been working to promote the festival since its first year - Panayot Deneuve, who was also the general director of the agency. Tomorrow together they will present to “Apollonia” the new BTA book with news from the archives in the 125 years since its creation. Kiril Valchev said that all issues of the magazine "LIK" will be presented during the festival. from last year until now.
It is by no means a coincidence that every year, for four decades now, Sozopol manages to gather in one place the best, dare I say, of Bulgarian culture and art, said President Rumen Radev. He presented a plaque “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” of the “Apollonia“ foundation in the person of Margarita Dimitrova.
The official start of the Arts Festivals “Apollonia“ was staged by the Symphony Orchestra of the BNR with conductor Konstantin Ilievski and soloist Svetlina Stoyanova. In the amphitheater “Apollonia“ works by Gioacchino Rossini, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Marin Goleminov, Parashkev Hadjiev, Charles Gounod, Georges Bizet, Johann Strauss son were performed.