ACAD. PLAMEN KARTALOFF IS THE WINNER OF THE “ST. PAISIY HILENDARSKI” STATE AWARD FOR 2016

The Premier Boyko Borisov handed over the “St. Paisiy Hilendarski” state award to the Director of the Sofia Opera and Ballet Acad. Plamen Kartaloff. The distinction was awarded to the eminent opera director for his exceptional contribution for the development of the national cultural identity and spiritual values.

“For me it’s a real pleasure that next to the names of the former winners of this exceptionally high and prestigious state award today we place also the name of Acad. Plamen Kartaloff”, declared at the ceremony the Minister of Culture Vezhdi Rashidov and he pointed that the name of the Director of the Sofia Opera and Ballet is known not only in our country, but all over the world. “From Sofia to Tokyo, from Rome and Milano to Vienna, from Moscow to Rio de Janeiro, everywhere the name of Acad. Kartaloff is being mentioned with exceptional respect and recognition. His contribution for the development not only of the Bulgarian, but also of the world operatic art is generally recognized”, said the Minister.

At the acceptance of the award, Acad. Plamen Kartaloff expressed his gratitude for the awarded distinction. “With a  great emotion I am accepting this sign of distinction”, declared he by emphasizing that the enormous longing in his work has always been our country to be recognizable in the whole world with its best achievements in the sphere of culture. “I shall carry this high recognition with still bigger responsibility, because this is the name of Paisius of Hilendar – the originator of the Bulgarian Renaissance, emissary and patriot. We are striving to follow these paths of spirituality and development of our nation – you, the politicians and statesmen, and we – the men of art”, said Acad. Plamen Kartaloff.

The annual “St. Paisiy Hilendarski” state award was founded with Government Decree No. 149 from 2000. It is awarded for stimulation of the Bulgarian artists and performers of works, connected with the Bulgarian history and traditions. Its winner for 2015 was the world-known Bulgarian composer Acad. Vassil Kazandjiev. His other laureates in the years were Prof. Vera Mutafchieva, Acad. Svetlin Roussev, Prof. Stefan Danailov, Yordan Radichkov, Prof. Hristo Hristov, arch. Bogdan Tomalevski, Bogomil Raynov, Valeri Petrov, Rangel Valchanov, Prof. Krum Damyanov, Naum Shopov, Hristo Ganev, Member-corr. Prof. Elka Bakalowa, Angel Wagenstein, Acad. Anton Donchev.