On the Day of Sofia 13 Famous Bulgarians Became Honorary Citizens of the Capital

176 Bulgarians have been honored with this title since 1993

On September 17, 2018 famous Bulgarian artists, teachers and scientists were honored with the title “Honorary Citizen of Sofia” or received Honorary Badge of Sofia Municipality for their merits and contributions to the city.

The prizes were presented at a special festive session of Sofia Municipal Council by the chairman of the board Elen Gerdzhikov and in the presence of the mayor of Sofia Mrs Yordanka Fandakova.

The title “Honorary Citizen of Sofia” was bestowed to:

1. Prof. Bozhidar Manov – a film critic. Dean of the Faculty of Screen Arts of Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts, professor at New Bulgarian University, author of dozens of books, scripts and scholarly works.

2. Filip Trifonov – an actor. One of the stars of the Bulgarian cinema. He has taken part in dozens of films such as The Boy Turns Man (Momcheto si otiva), Do not Go (Ne si otivai), Adio Rio, Exam (Izpit), The Hare Census (Prebroyavane na divite zaitsi), A Nameless Band (Orkestar bez ime) and many others. He has also starred in a lot of plays and at present works at the Satire Theatre.

3. Bogdana Karadocheva – pop performer of some of the most popular Bulgarian hits. She has performed duets with Bulgarian and foreign stars. The most prominent songwriters and composers write songs for her.

4. Vasil Naydenov – a pop performer, one of the most beloved and popular Bulgarian singers who continues to entertain his audience till present day.

5. Gergina Toncheva – a long-time director of the National School for Ancient Languages and Culture - since its very establishment in 1977. An example and symbol of good education in Bulgaria.

6. Acad. Plamen Kartalov – a director, opera manager and pedagogue. As director of Sofia Opera and Ballet, he introduced one of the most effective and productive management organizations with great success in international cooperation. He has contributed a lot to the world fame of the Bulgarian opera art.

7. Dimitar Simeonov – a musician, composer and teacher. One of the most prominent musicians in Bulgaria, founder of the BNR and BNT Orchestra with which he worked for decades as an instrumentalist, composer and arranger. Founder and head of Sofia Orchestra, which in 2019 will celebrate its 55th anniversary. The first saxophone teacher at the National Academy of Music.

8. Valentin Bobevski – a famous Bulgarian conductor and composer. Artistic Director of the Construction Troops Ensemble, Sofia Youth Choir, Gusla Choir. Winner of many national and international awards.

9. Acad. Alexander Balkanski – the most popular Bulgarian circus artist around the world and founder of the biggest circus in the country. Balkanski has developed, popularized and preserved the traditions of circus art.

10. Prof. Dr. Nikolay Ovcharov – a famous Bulgarian archaeologist, member of a number of international scientific institutions. Lecturer and discoverer, winner of dozens of titles and awards.

11. Vladimir Penev – an actor with an exceptional contribution to the contemporary Bulgarian theatre and film art. Minister of Culture, winner of dozens of awards. Loved by all Bulgarians.

12. Rada Moskova – a Bulgarian writer, playwright and screenwriter. One of the most beloved authors of children's literature. Her contribution to Bulgarian spiritual and cultural life is undeniable.

13. Mimi Nikolova – a great Bulgarian performer of hit songs such as "Be Silent, Be Silent", "When the Moon Emerges", "The Two Costs" with Boris Godzhunov, "Ropotamo Escape", performer of popular film music.

Honorary Badge of Sofia Municipality received:

1. Vasil Levski National Sports Academy for its 75th anniversary

2. Prof. Dr. Tsekomir Vodenicharov – dean, founder and ideologist of the first Faculty of Public Health at MU.

3. Zhar Folklore Ensemble at Peter Beron Community Center for its 80th anniversary

4. National Music Theatre – Sofia - 100 years of professional operetta in Bulgaria and 70 years since the establishment of the theatre

5. St John Koukouzelis – the Angel-voiced Chamber Vocal Ensemble on the occasion of its 50th anniversary

6. Sofia Boys Choir at Tsar Boris III Community Center which was founded in 1968 by Lilyana Todorova