Beethoven masterpieces to be performed in Sofia at the beginning of Holy Week

On April 6, at the Bulgaria Hall in Sofia, the European Music Festival marks the beginning of Holy Week with a program featuring two iconic works by Ludwig van Beethoven: the Violin Concerto in D major and Symphony No. 5 in C minor, famous for its four-note opening motif.

The concert features the talented Danish violinist Stefan Burchardt, the Cantus Firmus Orchestra, and acclaimed conductor Maxim Eshkenazy.

“Beethoven is the composer who fully defines the concept of classical music”, Maxim Eshkenazy said in an interview with Radio Classic A, adding that every encounter with Beethoven’s feels like a new discovery. Maxim Eshkenazy is a multifaceted talent: conductor, violinist, composer and organizer with inspiring ideas, as well as an avid athlete and pilot. His immense energy and charisma have played a major role in popularizing classical music among Bulgarian children and youth over the past 15 years. He is also the creator and driving force behind the educational programs Fortissimo in Class, Fortissimo Family, and Fortissimo Fest.

• “Fortissimo Academy” –a Bulgarian music education initiative

On April 6, Maxim Eshkenazy will conduct the first major solo appearance in Bulgaria of the young Danish violinist Stefan Burchardt, who is steadily establishing himself on the European stage. Less than a year ago, he was among the winners of the 2025 Cantus Firmus International Violin Competition in Sofia.

In Sofia, Burchardt will present a fresh interpretation of Beethoven’s Concerto, performing his own original cadenza in which, contrary to tradition, the orchestra also takes part.

The event is held with the financial support of the Sofia Municipality and the Ministry of Culture, in partnership with the Nadezhda Municipal Institute of Culture.

Edited by Tsvetana Toncheva

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov