On behalf of the musicians of the Sofia Philharmonic – National Symphony Orchestra of Bulgaria, I would like to publicly thank the Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) and Mro Alan Chircop for inviting our orchestra to perform at the 40th Anniversary Concert, which was held at the magnificent Republic Hall of the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta on 18 February, where we performed to a full house – which included many distinguished guests who came personally to express their appreciation after the concert.

Apart from being proud to have contributed to the great artistic success of this event, we were also delighted to have this opportunity – namely to bring to Malta the most prestigious orchestra of our country, which also helped promote the strong cultural traditions of our country. We travel extensively with the Philharmonic, but very rarely have we been through such a well-organised trip. The local logistics were perfect, the hall was extraordinary and the public was very appreciative.

My sincere thanks to your national airline Air Malta, which was perfect in the transportation of our instruments, apart from offering our musicians excellent service on board. Soon after check-in at the Dolmen Resort Hotel, we felt we were at home – a feeling which we kept till the moment of our departure. The orchestra also appreciated the excellent half-day tour which the Malta Tourism Authority organised for us. There are no words to describe the splendour of your Mdina!

We are very happy to have discovered your young and promising Maltese conductor, Alan Chircop. I think that his growing successful international career will make Malta proud. To reciprocate Malta’s hospitality, we will be “using” him in our seasons and invite him to give concerts with our Philharmonic both in Bulgaria and abroad, as we trust that his great potential as a conductor will be another attraction in our concert calendar, which will surely contribute towards the promotion of Malta. He deserves full support, as we also acknowledge his perfect organisation in planning our visit to Malta.

Thank you to all those who contributed towards making our concert a success. Thank you Malta.

Yavor Dimitrov

Chairman – Sofia Philharmonic

Bulgaria