For many years conductor Emil Tchakarov was assistant to Herbert von Karajan, he has conducted the Berlin Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Israeli Philharmonic, the French National Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and others. In 1986 he founded the New Year Festival in Sofia, held to this day. Emil Tchakarov is also an acclaimed opera conductor. Covent Garden – London, the Metropolitan – New York, La Scala – Milan are just some of the leading opera theatres where he has conducted world classics. Emil Tchakarov passed away in 1991 at the age of 43.

Here is Prof. Mincho Minchev about the concert in memory of the renowned conductor and the other concerts lined up during the Varna Summer Festival:

“I was happy to have performed together with my son at a concert dedicated to Emil Tchakarov who passed away 25 years ago leaving such a void. He was such a talented and fascinating musician, with a brilliant career which should have continued to bring joy to us all. We went to the music school together. As he evolved he gave more and more concerts, worked with more and more outstanding orchestras. We were friends and trusted one another. The programme my son and I performed in memory of Emil was for two violins and viola. Sometimes I indulge myself and play the viola. The concert hall we were given for the concert in Varna is just great – with excellent acoustics, seating 500. The rector of Varna University, Prof. Iliev is open to concerts like this and is always ready to help. It always makes me very happy to see a concert hall filled to capacity, the reactions of the audience.”

“The German Orpheus quartet had a magnificent concert,” says Mincho Minchev further. “The concert dedicated to the anniversary of Yehudi Menuhin was remarkable. Two young talents, superb violinists from the school named after him in London came for the concert. I would also like to mention the recital by George Vassilev – classical guitar, who is continuing with his masterclasses. I really wanted Anna Tomowa-Sintow to come this year, on the festival’s 90th anniversary, but it was just not to be. I hope she will be able to come in future because she is simply incredible as a pedagogue. Last year’s participants who had the good fortune of working with her, will never forget the experience. The Varna Summer Festival which presents different aspects of music is a veritable feast for the eyes and ears.”

Audio features the fillowing works:

- Jota Navarra for two violins and orchestra by Sarasate, performed by Mincho and Nikolay Minchev with the Sofia Soloists chamber Ensemble, conductor Plamen Jurov;

- String sextet Souvenir de Florence by Tchaikovsky, transcription for string orchestra, performed by by Mincho and Nikolay Minchev with the Sofia Soloists chamber Ensemble, conductor Plamen Jurov;

- Sonata for string orchestra No. 1 in G Major, part 3 by Rossini, soloists Mincho and Nikolay Minchev with the Sofia Soloists chamber Ensemble, conductor Plamen Jurov.

English version: Milena Daynova