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This event marked a significant step in Burgas’s journey toward earning the title of European Capital of Culture 2032.
December 2, 2025, Tuesday, 3:45 PM
Автор: Димитър КИРЯКОВ, снимки и видео: Димитър КИРЯКОВ
The House of Culture of NHK was transformed into a Hollywood-style hall.
Burgas’s House of Culture at NHK was filled with festive cheer, powerful emotions, and a distinctly local spirit as it hosted its second annual gala celebrating the arts. The event brought together established artists, rising talents, and an enthusiastic audience eager to applaud the city’s creative community.
This year’s gala, infused with a touch of Hollywood glamour, was made possible through a partnership between the Luben Groys Theatre College and the Burgas 2032 Foundation, the organization spearheading the city’s bid to become a European Capital of Culture in six years. A highlight of the evening was the appearance of internationally renowned actor Dimitar Marinov, who shared the stage with the city’s young performers and students from the Luben Groys Theatre College.
The evening featured a diverse range of performances, beginning with the Burgas City Brass Band performing outside the building, followed by the virtuosic Burgas Prof. Pancho Vladigerov Music School Symphony Orchestra. Individual performances from Vladimir Meranliev, Georgi Todorov, and Antonia Kondeva also captivated the audience.
Choral groups, young performers from elite music schools, the “Embraced Cloud” band, breakdance club Black Style Squad, and rising dance star Vanessa Kalcheva all took to the stage, earning enthusiastic applause. The musical program was rounded out by Georgi Dulgerov, this year’s winner of “Burgas and the Sea.”
The culmination of the evening was the presentation of awards recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the national cultural scene. Christina Arsenova, the long-time director of the State Puppet Theatre, singer Toni Dimitrova, and musicologist Milena Dobreva, whose successes with the “Fortissimo” choir have brought acclaim to Bulgaria, were among those honored.
Also recognized in 2025 were poet Denitsa Mladenova and her mentor, Dobrina Topalova; photographer Svetlin Yosifov, winner of the National “Anastass Karastoyanov” Award; and choreographer Veronika Bratanova, who received the “Golden Age” Order. The awards underscore the vibrant artistic landscape of Burgas and its surrounding region.
During the intermission, guests enjoyed performances by the guitar ensemble of the Burgas Prof. Pancho Vladigerov Music School, led by Simona Marinova, adding an elegant musical touch to the evening.
More can be seen in our video and photos.
