Lili Ivanova set for landmark concert in the heart of Sofia

Every Lili Ivanova concert is an event in its own right, including the performances on her extensive 2026 tour. But her concert in front of St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia on September 2 is attracting particular interest: the undisputed grande dame of Bulgarian pop has not given a major open-air concert in the capital for years.

She will be joined on stage by the Grand LI Orchestra, conducted by Konstantin Dobroykov – a large ensemble bringing together the LI Orchestra, the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra and the Pleven Choir.

Around 8,000 fans are expected to hear some of Ivanova’s greatest hits in new arrangements created by the concert’s music producer, Angel Dyulgerov.

One of the highlights will be Boyanskiyat maystor (The Boyana Master), an emblematic song from Ivanova’s repertoire, revived in a new arrangement especially for the occasion.

• Alexander Yosifov and his timeless 'Boyana Master'

Alexander Yosifov composed the music in 1968, while poet Bogomil Gudev found inspiration for the lyrics in the legend of the unknown medieval artist who painted the remarkable 89 scenes and compositions in Sofia’s Boyana Church in 1259.

In a fitting link between past and present, the new version of this song dedicated to Bulgarian spirituality will be performed in front of St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Editor: Diliana Tracheva

Supervising editor: E. Karkalanova