Pristine Bulgarian Coastline: 23 Beaches Receive 'Blue Flag' Honors
The "Blue Flag" program's international jury has recognized the excellence of 23 Bulgarian beaches and the Marina "Dinevi" by awarding them with the prestigious certificate
Professor Angel Stankov, violinist and vice rector of the Bulgarian State Academy of Music has been awarded an honorary MBE by UK ambassador Steve Williams on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, the UK Embassy reported late Thursday.
At a formal ceremony on February 25 Williams presented the honor at the UK Embassy in Sofia.
The MBE was presented for Stankov's "outstanding contribution to the promotion of cultural relations between the United Kingdom and Bulgaria, particularly in the field of classical music," the UK embassy said.
It is the first time since 2000 that such an award has been conferred on a Bulgarian.
At the ceremony, Stankov gave a short violin recital.
Williams told the ceremony that 2009 marks the celebration of 130 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Bulgaria.
It also marked the 75th anniversary of the founding in the United Kingdom of the British Council, which has been responsible since its foundation for promoting cultural and educational relations world-wide.
"It is therefore a happy co-incidence that we are today to celebrating the lifetime contribution of Professor Angel Stankov to the promotion of cultural relations between the UK and Bulgaria," Williams said.
Stankov grew up in an English-speaking family. His father was President of the English Speaking League in Bulgaria and was legal advisor to the British embassy. His mother was a teacher of English Phonetics. Stankov did his postgraduate musical study in London, at the Guildhall school of Music and Drama with Professor Yfrah Neaman and at the Royal Academy of Music with Professor Manug Parikyan.
Stankov's first recital in the UK was in 1974 at the Llandaff Festival in Wales. He has since performed many times in Britain and has recorded for BBC television and radio. He has also served on the examination panel of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for concert diplomas.
In the annals of Bulgarian history, few names resonate as profoundly as Vasil Levski. Known as the "Apostle of Freedom," Levski’s journey is not just one of resistance
February 14 in Bulgaria is a day of celebration, merging the love of wine with the spirit of romance
Today, Bulgarians celebrate two holidays—Trifon Zarezan, dedicated to wine and winemakers, and St. Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love
After more than a year of touring, the Bulgarian treasures from the "First Rulers of Europe" exhibition have returned to Bulgaria
The Orthodox Church today honors the memory of St. Charalambos the Wonderworker,, a revered figure known for his miraculous healings and unwavering faith
Burgas has officially launched its bid to become the European Capital of Culture for 2032, taking the first step in the extensive preparation process
Bulgaria's Perperikon: A European Counterpart to Peru's Machu Picchu
Bulgarians Among EU's Least Frequent Vacationers, Struggling with Affordability