“Fifteen Tulips” and countless hits: Mimi Ivanova celebrates 80 with a concert

One of Bulgaria’s most popular singers over the past six decades, Mimi Ivanova, is celebrating her 80th birthday with an anniversary concert entitled “When I Was a Girl – Mimi at 80.” On October 28, the festive evening at Hall No 1 of the National Palace of Culture in Sofia will feature golden hits, new songs and special musical collaborations.

Joining Mimi Ivanova on stage will be much-loved Bulgarian performers, who will perform songs from her repertoire as well as works by her longtime creative partner and husband, composer Razvigor Popov. Among the special guest performers are Veselin Marinov, Margarita Hranova, Elvira Georgieva, and DesiSlava. The concert will also feature appearances by Yordanka Hristova, Vasil Naydenov, Georgi Hristov, Orlin Goranov, the Argirov Brothers, Toni Dimitrova and Stefan Diomov.

Born on December 28, 1946, Mimi Ivanova began singing at a very young age. Her musical journey started at a music school in her hometown of Hisarya. She later graduated from the Music School in Plovdiv and went on to study in the estrada department of the Music Academy in Sofia, where she was taught by the renowned singer Irina Chmihova.

While still a student, Mimi became a soloist with the Sofia Orchestra, performing alongside fellow singers Pasha Hristova, Maria Neykova and Boris Gudjunov. The artists later recorded songs together that won prestigious awards, including the Golden Orpheus and Spring music festivals. Throughout her career, Mimi Ivanova has received numerous awards in Bulgaria and across Europe, released a number of albums, and won the hearts of many fans.

Mimi Ivanova’s partnership with the Bulgarian National Radio began in the early 1970s, when she worked extensively with the Radio’s Big Band, led by conductor Vili Kazasyan. This longstanding partnership has continued throughout her career. Songs performed by Ivanova have won awards six times at BNR’s Spring music contest.

Among the award-winning entries is “Fifteen Tulips” (1978), with music and arrangement by Razvigor Popov and lyrics by Yordan Yankov. The song has since become one of Mimi Ivanova’s signature hits.

Edited by Dilyana Tracheva

Translated by Kosadin Atanasov