Symphony Shumen

Bulgaria’s first orchestra. A tradition that continues.

Symphonieta Shumen is the oldest orchestral center in Bulgaria and the direct successor of the first Bulgarian orchestra, founded in the mid-19th century. The city of Shumen holds a key place in the history of Bulgaria’s national musical culture as the birthplace of organized orchestral music-making.

Shumen – the cradle of

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Bulgaria’s first orchestra. A tradition that continues.

Symphonieta Shumen is the oldest orchestral center in Bulgaria and the direct successor of the first Bulgarian orchestra, founded in the mid-19th century. The city of Shumen holds a key place in the history of Bulgaria’s national musical culture as the birthplace of organized orchestral music-making.

Shumen – the cradle of the Bulgarian orchestral tradition

The first attempts to establish a classical orchestra in Shumen date back to 1848–1849. In 1850, under the leadership of Mihai Shafran, an orchestra was founded which a year later evolved into an ensemble involving local musicians—the first true Bulgarian orchestra. Its repertoire included marches, dance forms, and excerpts from operas by leading Italian and German composers.

One of Shafran’s most significant students was Dobri Voynikov, who in 1859 founded the first student orchestra in Bulgaria. This firmly established Shumen as the first city with a sustainable and continuous orchestral tradition.

After the Liberation, musical life developed through music societies, chamber ensembles, and string groups. A notable contribution was made by Veselin Spirov, founder of a private violin school as early as 1934.

From local initiative to state orchestra

The first modern symphony orchestra in Shumen was founded in 1941. On November 23, 1942, the first symphonic concert took place, performed by local musicians.

In 1954, the orchestra acquired the status of a state cultural institution. The first concert of the State Philharmonic Shumen was conducted by Vasil Stefanov, with Pancho Vladigerov as soloist.

Over the decades, the orchestra has been led by a number of distinguished conductors. A long-time director of the institution was Stanislav Ushev, whose work made a significant contribution to the stabilization and development of the orchestra.

Symphonieta Shumen today

Today, the orchestra’s director and chief conductor is Slavil Dimitrov. Symphonieta Shumen maintains an active concert schedule in Bulgaria and abroad, including Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Monaco, Belarus, Greece, and the Republic of Korea.

The orchestra has recordings in the Golden Fund of Bulgarian National Radio, Bulgarian National Television, and Radio Shumen, and has received numerous national awards.

Why live and work in Shumen?

– Calm and affordable environment with low living costs
– Active cultural life and a loyal audience
– Natural areas in close proximity to the city
– Good infrastructure and short distances
– Stable professional environment within a state cultural institution

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