INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL “DR. EMIL ILIEV”

Borovets, August 1–6, 2024

Once again this year, the International Jazz Festival “Dr. Emil Iliev” will take place in Borovets, one of Bulgaria’s most picturesque mountain resorts. From August 1 to 6, the cool embrace of the Rila Mountains will come alive with exceptional music and vibrant energy, delivered by a stellar lineup of Bulgarian and international jazz virtuosos.

The organizers share exciting highlights from this year’s edition:

“This edition brings a new approach. Above all, our focus is on Bulgarian performers and musicians.
Because they are outstanding – touring internationally and receiving critical acclaim.
Because they are celebrating milestones – such as the 65th anniversary of the Bulgarian National Radio Big Band.
Because they are world-class – winners not only of national awards like the Icarus Prize, but also of international beatbox championships in Switzerland.
Because this year marks the launch of a powerful new album filled with symbolism and hidden messages from a beloved group – a tribute to the unforgettable Vasko the Patch (Vasko Parvaka) and his legacy of “Quantum Wholeness.”
Because many of these artists, after studying and performing around the world, have chosen to return and build their careers in Bulgaria – raising the bar with their professionalism.
Because their work brings layered sound, thoughtful execution, and a bold desire to breathe new life into original music.
Because they light up the stage in fiery collaborations with outstanding international artists.”

🎶 International Highlights

A major highlight of the festival will be a performance by the Swedish phenomenon Dirty Loops – a group with fans across the globe. Under their online videos, fans leave glowing comments:

“Every other band is just a warm-up act compared to Dirty Loops.”
“Each of them is the best at what they do.”
“Insane rhythm. Unreal!”
“The highest vocal and instrumental level I’ve seen in 39 years as a professional musician!”
“My one-year-old drops whatever he’s holding to dance to this song.”
“Where has this band been all my life?! You’re a breath of fresh air!”

Also appearing for the first time at the festival: Nguyên Lê, whose signature sound and technique are internationally acclaimed. He will perform with his trio “Silk and Sand” – a collaboration fusing French musical culture with elements from Southeast Asia (Nguyên’s ancestral roots) and authentic Arab, African, and Latin rhythms.

🎼 Jazz Meets the Classics

As in previous years, the festival continues its “Classics in Jazz” series. This year, we welcome Veronika Todorova – named the best accordionist in the world not only in Bulgaria, but also in Norway in 2006 at the World Accordion Championship – in collaboration with the ensemble ClassicArt.

🖼 Festival Side Program

The rich accompanying program includes the beloved Summer Jazz Academy for Children, followed by the launch of the children’s book “What Is It? Riddles in Verse”, published by Colibri. The book will be presented by its authors – Prof. Bozhidar Manov and illustrator Yasen Grigorov.

Cultural journalist Zlatna Kostova will host a conversation with writers Violeta Tsvetkova and Vladimir Nikolov about their latest books. We will also meet a remarkable young personality, and Prof. Aksinia Dzhurova will open an art exhibition by Georgi Georgiev at Hotel Rila, featuring graphic works, paintings, and small sculptures.

🎥 New: Jazz on Film

This year’s edition also introduces a new long-term initiative: documentary film screenings dedicated to jazz and jazz musicians, becoming part of the festival’s main program.

“Live performance is a fleeting moment – sometimes forgotten even by the performers. But a film preserves memory and becomes part of cultural history. By uniting two art forms, we’re giving the ‘Dr. Emil Iliev’ Jazz Festival a distinct identity among jazz festivals.”

The screenings will be followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers, moderated by the esteemed film critic Prof. Bozhidar Manov.

As always, the festival remains free and open to the public, held in front of Hotel Rila in Borovets.

The festival’s longstanding media partners include BTA, BNR, TV Eurocom, TV1, Military TV Channel, Bulgarian Army newspaper, and many more.