Presentation in Stara Zagora of the book by Assoc. Prof. Stefka Venkova, PhD, realised with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture

On 20 March 2026, at the Zahariy Knyazheski Regional Library in Stara Zagora, the new monograph by Assoc. Prof. Stefka Venkova, PhD, ‘Building the New Musical Life in Bulgaria – The Work of Nikolay Iv. Nikolaev (1852 – 1938) was presented. The event began with a performance of church works from the collection ‘Liturgical Chant for Children's and Folk Choirs', published in 1924. Assoc. Prof. Yavor Genov, PhD, the book's academic editor, presented the study and outlined its main contributions. He highlighted the significant role of Nikolay Iv. Nikolaev in the development of Bulgarian musical culture over a long period, from the Liberation of Bulgaria to the 1930s. The significant influence of this eminent musician, not only in the capital city but also in the musical life of Stara Zagora, was highlighted in a speech by Chief Assistant Professor Emilia Zhunich, PhD. Prof. Stefanka Georgieva, PhD, further enriched the portrayal of Nikolay Iv. Nikolaev, through his presence in the journalistic writings of the Stara Zagora music figure A. P. Bersenev, a pseudonym representing the person of Georgi Todorov Stoyanovich (1891 – 1941). 
The author, Assoc. Prof. Stefka Venkova, PhD, expressed her gratitude to the project team and the professionalism of all who contributed to the successful edition.