The History

THE IDEA

The music critic Ms. Julia Hristova founded the New Symphony Orchestra in 1991 as an alternative to the existing musical institutions financially supported and controlled by the state. During the years since it was founded the New Symphony Orchestra has produced a cultural model of its own and has created a Society of Friends, dedicated to the welfare of this cultural institution, which is unique in Bulgaria. Julia Hristova's Concert House, opened in 1990, served as a basis on which the Orchestra was founded. This House had its own unique system of organizing and financing the orchestra and working with its young musicians. According to the words of its founder, Julia Hristova, "We worked not to survive but to create."

BORISLAV YOTZOV - THE NEW ARTISTIC DIRECOR

He was born in Sofia. He studied clarinet at the State Musical Academy, Sofia under Prof. Sava Dimitrov. In 1992-93 he took master classes at the Conservatoire, Paris, and during the period 1993-94 he continued his studying at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.

He won his first prize at the National Competition for Young Musicians in 1983. In 1990 Borislav Yotzov was granted forth prize at the International “Prince Philip” Contest, Belgium. Since 1991 he has been appointed first clarinetist of the New Symphony Orchestra, later he become a principal guest soloist. Borislav Yotzov performed all over the world - Germany, Italy, Great Britain, Brazil.... After finishing the Musical Academy he was appointed second clarinet at the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra.

Since 1995 he has been Professor at the National Music School and the National Music Academy. Mr. Yotzov is not only performing musician and teacher but also a composer. His compositions have been performed in Bulgaria and France.

THE MUSICIANS

From the very beginning the idea of the New Symphony Orchestra was to be both a school and an institution taking care of young, talented musicians who had no experience on the stages of concert halls, but who had the strong desire to work and perfect them-selves. Over eight hundred musicians of an average age between 18 and 27 have played for the Orchestra. Musician from the School of the New Symphony Orchestra are now members of the biggest Bulgarian orchestral institutions and opera houses, and of orchestras in the USA, Latin America, South Africa, Western and Central Europe. The leading principles in the work with the young musicians, most of whom are still students, is respect for one's personal opinions, equal opportunities and flexibility in the system of work. According to Julia Hristova "The most important goal in our work is not the concert, but one's love in the process of 'making' music".

"To Create an Orchestra"

by Julia Hristova
August 1997,
The village of Slaveykovo, near the town of Dryanovo

I often heard people say "she's hopping mad!"
Who knows. They might have been right.

I
If I decided to write about it now when it's still too early, when what happened is still close to me, it is because of the chaos in my mind. Memories unexpectedly rush into it, hundreds of them flooding back. They're in a state of confusion. I hope words will help me put things into order and thus help me get rid of the demons... I remember the frogs in Kurasawa's autobiography, I have the same feelings he had. I don't want to look in the mirror. But my wish to tame the demons is very strong...

The History

THE IDEA

BORISLAV YOTZOV - THE NEW ARTISTIC DIRECOR

"To Create an Orchestra"

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