On the presentation of the book by Assoc. Prof. Stefka Venkova, PhD, at the Sofia Music Weeks International Festival

On 19 June 2026, in the Music Studio of the Bulgaria Concert Complex, within the Sofia Music Weeks International Festival, the new book by Assoc. Prof. Stefka Venkova, PhD, Building the New Music Life in Bulgaria – the Work of Nikolay Iv. Nikolaev (1852 – 1938) was presented. The event was opened by the President of the Festival, Prof. Momchil Georgiev, PhD, who expressed his joy at the already traditional cooperation with the Institute of Art Studies – BAS, which has been official since this year. Prof. Goritsa Naydenova, PhD, host of the presentation, welcomed the large audience and wished the edition success, pointing out the author’s fruitful approach to the development of Bulgarian music after the Liberation through the prism of the personality of Nikolay Iv. Nikolaev. His significant role in the development of Bulgarian musical culture over a long period – from the Liberation of Bulgaria to the 1930s – was highlighted by the academic editor, Assoc. Prof. Yavor Genov, PhD, who presented the book and outlined its key contributions. Prof. Rositsa Draganova, PhD, offered a different perspective on the monograph, noting that a figure as complex as Nikolay Iv. Nikolaev had found its researcher in the person of Assoc. Prof. Stefka Venkova, PhD. Prof. Miglena Tsenova, PhD, emphasised the overall coverage of the musician’s work, highlighting his publicistic heritage as a key to his individuality.
The author expressed her gratitude to the project team funded by the Ministry of Culture, to the professionalism of all who contributed to the successful edition, and to the attendees of the book presentation.