Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Founder of Bansko International Jazz Festival passes away at 73

Dr. Emil Iliev
Photo: archive

The founder of the International Jazz Festival in Bansko, Dr. Emil Iliev, has died of Covid-19 at the age of 73, representatives of the festival told BNR. With its 23 editions so far, the International Jazz Festival in Bulgaria's town of Bansko has turned into the biggest summer music festival in the country. It is also among the most significant international cultural events in the Balkans.

Dr. Emil Iliev studied medicine, majoring in dermatology, venereology and acupuncture. In 1982, he became the founder and chairman of the Bulgarian Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He was also a member of the board of directors of the World Acupuncture Organization. 

“As creator of the International Jazz Festival he left his heart and soul in a cause that was embraced by many jazz fans all over the world. A remarkable person who will leave his mark in the history of Bansko,” the post on the jazz festival’s website reads.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Trade unions want 10% salary rise to be included in Budget 2025

By the end of next week, the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) will send the government its proposals to be included in the governing coalition's management program. Trade unionists are already holding..

published on 1/26/25 10:53 AM

Head of State presents Presidential Badge of Honour to the Bulgarian National Radio

Bulgarian head of state Rumen Radev presented the Presidential Badge of Honour to the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR). The award was received by BNR Director General Milen Mitev during the solemn concert at the Sofia Opera and..

published on 1/26/25 9:45 AM

BNR presents its annual awards "Sirak Skitnik"

The Bulgarian National Radio has presented its annual journalism awards "Sirak Skitnik". The grand prize went to Tsveti Radeva, host of the folk music show "Imat li pesnite spirane" on Horizont channel.  The grand prize was presented by..

published on 1/25/25 6:43 PM