Dear friends, it is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our long-time colleague Dimitar Nikolov.

His entire career was connected with Radio Bulgaria and for 40 years he worked as a music editor, journalist and author of programs. However, Dimitar Nikolov is also known for his work as a composer. He did not hide his preference for large musical forms and over the years created works that entered the repertoire of symphony orchestras and mixed choirs.

Mitko, as we all called him, will remain in our memories with his in-depth materials dedicated to all styles and genres, his meetings with established and emerging musicians, and his interest in everything new in the world of music. And most of all, with his great love for us, his colleagues, and the radio. He talked about them in his last interview with Radio Bulgaria:

"Despite having had tempting offers over the years, two things kept me in the Bulgarian National Radio – the magnificently talented and extremely intelligent people I worked with here, as well as the availability of a huge amount of music from Bulgaria and from around the world that I had the opportunity to listen to. I am a composer and that is what I am interested in."

• Dimitar Nikolov: Music, Muse and Radio Bulgaria give meaning to my life

Radio Bulgaria expresses its deep condolences to the relatives and friends of Dimitar Nikolov.

Light and music on your way up, Mitko!