National Academy of Music Prof Pancho Vladigerov

At a glance

Source: Wikipedia: National Academy of Music (Bulgaria); Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Национална музикална академия; Official website: National Academy of Music Prof Pancho Vladigerov^1,2,3

History

The academy was established as the State Academy of Music by Tsar’s Decree No. 145, published on 21 July 1921. Its first rector was Dimitar Hadzhigeorgiev. In 1934, Bulgarian folk music theory became a separate subject, following an initiative by composer Dobri Hristov and his assistant Stoyan Dzhudzhev, who became its first teacher.²

During the Second World War, the conservatoire was evacuated to Svoge after Sofia was heavily bombed on 10 January 1944. The institution became the Bulgarian State Conservatoire in 1954, then the State Academy of Music “Prof. Pancho Vladigerov” in 1995. It received its current name by a decision of the National Assembly in May 2006.²

Faculties and programmes

The academy offers 30 specialities organised across three faculties:^1,2

• Faculty of Theory, Composition and Conducting
• Instrumental Faculty
• Vocal Faculty, which includes ballet and pop and jazz arts

Source: Wikipedia: National Academy of Music (Bulgaria); Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Национална музикална академия^1,2

A master’s programme in the Pop and Jazz Music department opened in 2004. The academy’s creative structure also includes a symphony orchestra, student orchestras, a student choir, an educational opera theatre and an opera studio connected with the National Opera.²

Buildings and facilities

The academy operates from two buildings in Sofia, equipped to support teaching and creative work. Facilities include a sound-recording complex, photocopying services and computer equipment.^1,2

Its resources also include a library with a collection of unique music publications and a phonotheque. Student accommodation is available. The student canteen is currently closed for an indefinite period.²