One of Bulgaria's top orchestral ensembles, the Sofia Philharmonic has extended its reach under music director Nayden Todorov, making well-received international tours and recording for labels beyond Bulgaria. The orchestra has also become known for its collaborations with popular musicians.
Bulgaria's first professional symphony orchestra, the Sofia Philharmonic was founded in 1928 as the Academic Symphony Orchestra; its organizer and first conductor was violinist and educator Sasha Popov. It was renamed the Tsar's Military Symphony Orchestra (Bulgaria had a Tsar until 1946)...