site.btaVratsa Symphony Orchestra Draws Young Musicians from Several Continents

The Vratsa Symphony Orchestra attracts and retains young musicians from several continents, Hristo Pavlov told BTA on Thursday.

The orchestra currently includes sixty musicians from five continents, and only Australia and Antarctica are not represented, noted Pavlov, who has been at the helm of the ensemble since 2017, besides being a conductor, composer and flutist. “In popular orchestras around the world, hundreds of musicians apply for one opening. Within 10-15 years of one's active career, it is difficult to get such a job. Our musicians are aware of this. For most of them, coming from South America and Asia, it is prestigious to play in a European orchestra,” he emphasized.

Pavlov said that in 2017 young musicians from the rest of the world used to be attracted to Bulgarian orchestras in two places in the country. “However, at that time there was a turnover. They came, built a repertoire, enhanced their CV and moved abroad. Here, we modified the conditions so that we manage to keep them with us,” he said. The conductor stated that in rehearsals they are working in groups and attention is paid to the details of the performances. "The combination of repertoire policy and working methods is the winning formula for retaining young, promising musicians," he stressed. “We take care that they work well at the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra and feel good in the town of Vratsa,” Pavlov added.

He pointed out that an online brochure is compiled for each new arrival, detailed the documentary procedures with the migration offices, as well as places for shopping, entertainment, and access to general practitioners. Vacation opportunities and travel are also highlighted, as well as future prospects of the Vratsa Symphony. The orchestra also assists in finding accommodation, and there is a component in the salary that financially supports the musicians, Pavlov emphasized.

Pavlov noted that the musicians' salaries are good. "Their living standard is on a par with Europe's average. In today's tense Western pattern of life, it is much easier here, as they have much more spare time than their Western colleagues," he said, adding that the foreign musicians of the Vratsa  Symphony Orchestra very much appreciate the opportunities they have to play on the same stage with world-class musicians.

On Friday, March 7, the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert with Icelandic violinist Vera Panich.

Hristo Pavlov is a laureate of national and international competitions as a conductor, composer and flutist. From 1990 to 2014 he was the First Flute in the Symphony Orchestra of the Bulgarian National Radio. Since December 2017, Pavlov has been the director and chief conductor of the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra. He has produced for companies such as HBO, BMG and National Geographic. His recordings have won international awards, including two EMI awards, as well as nominations for the Grammy Awards.