Music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Philipp Telemann, and Georg Friedrich Handel

With the participation of Yosif Gerdzhikov (conductor), Girgina Girginova (soprano), Olga Mihaylova-Dinova (mezzo-soprano), and Viktor Krastanov (bass)

The main program of the Festival for European Solidarity begins with the concert “European Musical Landscapes from the Baroque Era” on the landmark date of November 10.

The works selected and included in the concert program are among the most significant musical works shaping part of the cultural heritage not only of Europe, but also of the world. Since 2007, the Bach Society in Bulgaria has sought to fill this gap in the cultural life of the capital.

photos: Yana Lozeva

Baroque music arose in a particular time in which national cultures were also becoming distinct. The advancing era of nations led to the gradual disintegration of the common cultural heritage of the Middle Ages and its universal intellectual language of Latin; every nation now had its own literary language, its own historical narrative, its own literature and culture, its own national plan and direction. Despite intensive translations and mutual influences, this led to the relative isolation of national cultures from each other. In the same centrifugal age, however, another universal language arose, capable of crossing borders: this was the language of music. Like the Bible and earlier Latin, the music of the Baroque is quintessentially European—whether made by Germans, Italians, French, or English, it had the power to penetrate national and all other boundaries. It was listened to everywhere—in palaces, churches, and the newly opening concert halls. Baroque musicians traveled and created transnational orchestras and communities, spreading exquisite musical taste and a universal idea of ​​beauty to every soul.

Centuries later, the legacy of Bach and Handel, of Telemann and Albinoni, of Purcell and Pergolesi continues today to break through walls and bring people together—it is pan-European. Held in the majestic Alma Mater ceremonial hall—itself an example of pan-European architectural heritage of which we Bulgarians are proud—our concert is its celebration.

Tickets at Еpaygo.

Organizers: the Bach Society in Bulgaria Foundation in partnership with the Cultural Center of Sofia University and the Center for Reading and Culture. The event is part of the Calendar of Cultural Events of Sofia Municipality for 2024.