Nikola Iliev, who “makes” the clarinet cry, is honored for the preservation of Bulgarian folk music
The clarinetist Nikola Iliev from the famous Konushenska group was awarded the highest honor of Plovdiv – an honorary citizen. The local parliament unanimously voted the title. It is awarded to him “for an outstanding contribution to the preservation, preservation and development of the musical heritage and popularization of Bulgarian folk music”.
Iliev, who has played at thousands of weddings, is known by the nickname the Blind Dog, as he has a problem with one eye. However, this in no way affects his talent, on the contrary – he is called a virtuoso. In the soca years, parents of newlyweds shelled out crazy money to hire him to play at their children’s weddings.
It is said that it literally “makes” the clarinet cry. Unlike many other wind instrument masters, Iliev is a trained musician and can play by notes.
He has over 50 recordings on Radio Sofia, over 400 on Radio Plovdiv, has released 5 LPs, numerous albums on audio cassettes and CDs.
The Konushen Folk Orchestra under his leadership is distinguished by more than 5,000 concert performances during its 60-year career, becoming emblematic of the Bulgarian cultural identity, especially in the context of Plovdiv as a long-standing center of art and music.
The honorary distinction was awarded to him on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
See a performance by the Conus Orchestra with Nikola Iliev.
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