On the eve of March 8, the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York celebrated International Women's Day by honouring women who have contributed to the better representation of their respective communities in the life and culture of the metropolis.

The Consulate General of Bulgaria in New York nominated Lora Tchekoratova, a pianist with a successful career as an artist in New York. She is the co-founder of the initiative Bulgarian Concert Evenings in New York and the founder of the Unbeaten Path Chamber Music Festival, which takes place every year in the Bulgarian village of Kovachevitsa in Gotse Delchev.

Bulgarian Consul Angel Angelov and the Deputy President of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York Hon. Mirjana Zivkovic, presented Lora Tchekoratova with a special certificate for outstanding contribution to the Bulgarian community, placing her right next to opera singer Stefka Evstatieva, pianist and educator Prof. Pavlina Dokovska, philanthropist Nellie Gibson and choreographer Elisaveta Iordanova.

The Gorana Dance Folk Ensemble in New York, founded and directed by Ms Iordanova, performed horo chain dances for the many guests from the diplomatic corps, the Bulgarian Consulate General in New York said. There was also a short video clip of attractive natural and tourist sites in Bulgaria, set to the song "Izlel e Delyu Haidutin" by Valya Balkanska, which was recorded by Carl Sagan in 1977 on the Golden Record of the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft.

Bulgarian banitsa, delicacies and wines complemented the national presentation during the celebration dedicated to active women who spare no time, money or ideas to contribute to the image of their country and culture in New York.