BNR wins top prize at folklore contest in Bratislava

Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) has won the grand prix at the 12th edition of the international folklore recordings competition Grand Prix Svetozar Stracina, held in Bratislava.

The results were announced late on Friday at a gala concert in Slovak Radio’s main concert studio, the Bulgarian embassy in Slovakia said.

Fourteen countries took part in this year’s biennial competition, submitting 31 recordings. The international jury, chaired by Slovak ethnomusicologist Prof. Bernard Garaj, awarded the top prize to BNR’s recording Na pazara (At the Marketplace).

The award was received by Bulgaria’s ambassador to Slovakia, Snezhana Yoveva-Dimitrova. Na pazara also won best recording in the “Stylised Folklore” category.

The jury handed out four additional awards, including best performance for the BNR recording Havziya lezhi bolna (Havzya Lies in Sickness), citing the virtuosity of performer Roman Romanov.

The Grand Prix Svetozar Stracina competition is held every two years and is regarded as a leading platform for showcasing a wide range of folk music, from traditional forms to contemporary interpretations.

“Bulgarian folklore is a treasure long recognised around the world. The awards won by Bulgaria, through BNR, demonstrate the country’s value and unique contribution to the global cultural landscape,” Ambassador Yoveva-Dimitrova told Radio Bulgaria.

In a conversation with BNR Director-General Milen Mitev, she congratulated the broadcaster on the recognition. The two also discussed potential future initiatives to support Bulgarian culture and the arts.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova