There are musicians who have left an important mark in history. One of them, who will be always remembered by Bulgarians, is Villy Kazasyan. He not only contributed greatly to the development of Bulgarian music, but also had incredible sense of humor and charisma. He graduated with a degree in engineering in Sofia, but jazz occupied a more important place in his life and set his future path. He was active as a composer and conductor and the best known Bulgarian music festivals and competitions are associated with his name. Villy Kazasyan, however, will be remembered for his most important role, that of conductor of the Big Band of the Bulgarian National Radio.

Villy Kazasyan is the author of children's songs, film music, theater, television and radio musicals. His debut appearances on stage began in the 50s as a pianist in "Jazz of the Young." His greatest love proved to be the Big Band of the BNR and his relationship with the radio continued for many years. Here is what the unforgettable musician said back in 2000 in an interview kept in the Golden Fund of the Bulgarian National Radio:

"I have been working in the radio for 40 years. Some 40 years ago the Big Band was also created and several generations have passed through this orchestra. I hardly know successful musicians, especially in the recent past, who had not played there. This is an amazing school for all who want to become professionals. I think that a musician needs to spend at least 2 years with the band in order to adapt and become part of it. I feel that my life passed in the BNR. If I had not spent this time here, I think I would not have been able to feel the pleasure from freelance work. Nothing can replace the experience gained during the time spent in the radio."

After the end of his active work with the band of the radio, the conductor created the "Villy Kazasyan Band" in 1998.

"A big band cannot perform everything,” Villy Kazasyan recalled. “It can develop and progress only with serious jazz music. The truth is that such a band cannot afford to play this genre only, because opportunities are fewer. So the band performs other functions, as well and it has a serious role in a media that can afford to produce and broadcast."

Hilda Kazasyan, daughter of the great musician, followed in the footsteps of his father. She says Villy Kazasyan needed quite some time to make sure that she had the necessary qualities for the stage.

"I do not just remember him but exist to this day through him and that feeling of the beauty of music that he managed to convey to me. He taught me to look differently at the world and people who have this we are actually much happier. I am extremely grateful for all that my father has taught me. The knowledge he gave me is timeless. To this day I have not met another man to love life and music so much."

In 2005 the Bulgarian National Radio showed its respect for the work of Villy Kazasyan and awarded him with its highest award "Sirak Skitnik" for outstanding contribution to the national media.

English: Alexander Markov

The audio file contains the following pieces:

-   "Teach me tonight" , Vasil Petrov performing together with the BNR Big Band, conducted by the maestro.

-  "Shadows performed by Villy Kazasyan Band"

-  Villy Kazasyan singing together with radio journalist of the Horizon program of the BNR, Bojana Dimitrova.

-  "Samba" H.Kazasyan & Villy Kazasyan Band