Presentation of the New Instruments - A Donation by Dr. Petko Arnaudov

Opera Plovdiv presented the new instruments for the orchestra, purchased thanks to the generous donation of Dr. PETKO ARNAUDOV: a master violin by Nicolaus Gagliano, a bass clarinet Buffet Crampon TOSCA, three double basses – G Batista Ceruti, Vincenzo Panormo, and Busetto, a Yamaha tuba, two sets of Adams timpani – one symphonic and one transportable, bells, and a glockenspiel.

With the chamber concert, we paid tribute to generosity and philanthropy in the lead-up to the festive holidays. The director of Opera Plovdiv, Dian Chobanov, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Petko Arnaudov, presenting him with an honorary diploma, and noted that this may be the only such gesture in the modern history of musical institutions in Bulgaria. The maestro highlighted the significance of the fact that the donor met him on his first day as director of the opera. Discussing his motivations for the donation, Dr. Petko Arnaudov joked that "appetite comes with eating" and wished the artists a large audience.

The new instruments were presented by concertmaster Bozhidar Benev, Cecilia Alcalde – clarinet, double basses – Atanas Petkov, Dimitar Arnaudov, Todor Zlatarev, and Hristo Popov, tuba – Nikolay Bivolarski, percussion – Desi Gyuzeleva. Pianist was Tsvetomira Tsoneva.

The concert also officially introduced the new resident conductor, Petar Tuleshkov, who won third place, the special audience award, and the orchestra’s award at the First International Young Conductors Competition, organized by the State Opera in Plovdiv.

Earlier in the day, the final part of the donation – the percussion instruments – was delivered to Opera Plovdiv, sparking palpable excitement and anticipation among the musicians, who compared the new instruments in the orchestra to the quality and prestige of the Ferrari brand.

The team at Opera Plovdiv once again expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Arnaudov, wishing him longevity and unwavering energy to continue his good deeds. We all look forward to meeting more inspiring examples of philanthropy towards culture in Bulgaria!