In memory of Mihail Belchev

An encyclopedic personality and creator, Mihail Belchev passed away just months before turning 80. He was born on August 13, 1946, in Sofia.

Mihail Belchev was among the most prolific and talented lyricists in Bulgarian pop and rock music, earning numerous awards throughout his career. He also published eight books of poetry.

Among his most popular songs are “Mladossta si Otiva” (Youth Goes Away), “Ne Ostaryavay Lyubov” (Don’t Grow Old, Love), “Otkrovenie” and “Priyatelstvo” (Friendship). Songs based on his lyrics have been performed by some of Bulgaria’s biggest pop artists—Lili Ivanova, Vasil Naydenov, Georgi Hristov, the rock band FSB, Yordanka Hristova, Tonika SV, the Argirov Brothers, and others.

Mihail Belchev was also a director of television productions and films. Among them is the first television pantomime performance “Kragovrat”. He also composed music for theater productions and films, reported BTA. Belchev served as director of the Sofia City Library From 2008 to 2013.

He was awarded the Order of “Cyril and Methodius” First Class (1982), four first prizes from the “Golden Orpheus” festival (1969, 1984, 1990, 1998), and a lifetime achievement award from the same festival (1996).

• ''The Boulevard'' – Sofia through the eyes of singer and composer Mihail Belchev

Mihail Belchev was granted the title “Honored Artist” in 1987. He was the first recipient of the Georgi Dzhagarov National Literary Award of the Union of Bulgarian Writers (July 14, 2004). He was also awarded the Order of Stara Planina, First Class (December 12, 2018), and was named Honorary Professor of the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (May 25, 2021). In 2004, he was made an Honorary Citizen of Sofia.

The iconic ballad “Mladossta si Otiva” has brought many of his fans to tears during his unforgettable concerts. 

Edited by Krasimir Martinov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov