site.btaConcert at National Theatre Celebrates 4th Round of Svetilnik Initiative
The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) has partnered Musicauthor in the Svetilnik (Candlelight) initiative to give original anthems to Bulgarian schools since its launch four years ago. From the beginning, BTA has actively promoted the campaign and shared the stories of each participating school and their newly composed anthems, BTA’s Director General Kiril Valchev said at a celebratory concert held on Saturday at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia, where students from ten Bulgarian schools presented their newly created school anthems.
Valchev presented the official certificate for the fourth round of Svetilnik to Stefan Kichukov, Principal of Dr Petar Beron Primary School in Plovdiv. The school is one of this year’s ten selected participants and will celebrate its 100th anniversary on October 29. The lyrics of the school’s anthem were written by Snejina Temelkova with music and arrangement by Ivaylo Terziev. Valchev said that the anthem speaks of the spirit of the campaign and the deeper cultural mission behind it.
Valchev added that “we must help students open their eyes to the future, while preserving our traditions through hard work and faith,” just as Bulgaria, one of Europe’s oldest nations, has preserved its name and identity. Referencing the historical figure Dr. Petar Beron, whose name the school bears, Valchev added: “The great names from our history not only give us strength and hope, as the anthem says, they also offer valuable lessons.”
He quoted Beron’s words: “Those who have knowledge will never fall behind,” and drew a parallel with the anthem’s line, “Learning gives strength, and knowledge is wealth.” He also recalled Beron’s advice: “Above all else, work hard and study, and do every task with both mind and heart.”
“Bulgarian children will stay in Bulgaria,” Valchev said, “only when every Bulgarian, especially those in positions of leadership, works with intelligence and heart to guide us tirelessly through an ever-changing world,” echoing the tribute to teachers in the anthem.
“We must raise our children to be brave and noble, and to give to others, just as the creators of the Svetilnik initiative do,” Valchev said. The campaign is Musicauthor Executive Director Ivan Dimitrov’s idea and is widely supported and promoted by BTA.
In his address, Principal Stefan Kichukov expressed gratitude on behalf of the school and said that they will mark their centenary with pride, now with their own anthem. He added, he is confident that Svetilnik will one day reach every Bulgarian school.
/RD/
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