The music forum is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the famous Bulgarian contemporary composer Prof. Konstantin Iliev.
Today – April 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the “Dobrich” Concert Hall, a chamber concert will be performed by the three eminent musicians who are solo and chamber performers in various ensembles, but tonight for the first time they will perform as a trio in this composition.
Konstantin Iliev graduated from the State Academy of Music in 1946 with the majors of Composition under Prof. Pancho Vladigerov, Conducting under Prof. Marin Goleminov and Violin under Prof. Vladimir Avramov. In 1946-47, he specialized in conducting at the Prague Academy of Music under Prof. V. Tallich, composition under J. Ridky and attended classes in quadritone composition led by Prof. Alois Haba. In 1947 he returned to Bulgaria. For some time he worked as a musicologist in the BNR. He established the State Symphony Orchestra in Ruse (1947-48). Conducted the ballet of the Sofia Opera (1948-49), chief conductor of the State Symphony Orchestra and the National Opera in Ruse (1949-52); then chief conductor of the Varna Symphony Orchestra (1952-56). Since 1956 (intermittently) he has been conductor and chief conductor of the Sofia Philharmonic. In 1967 he was appointed professor of orchestral conducting at the State Academy of Music. In 1969 he left the Sofia Philharmonic and until 1971 made a series of concerts and recordings for the Balkanton record company with the DMA orchestra. In the period 1971-72 and 1978-84 he was reappointed as the chief conductor of the Sofia Philharmonic From 1972 to 1978, he founded the Chamber Music Festival in Ruse. He played an important role in the spread of music from the 20th century. He recorded for BNR, Balkanton and foreign radio stations. He is one of the most important contemporary Bulgarian composers, whose work is related to the Bulgarian musical avant-garde. He writes in various genres two operas and one ballet; six symphonies and other works for symphonic orchestra; four string quartets and other chamber music; five songs for voice and piano; choral music for various compositions; film and theater music.
