The 55th edition of BNR’s “Spring” music contest for a new Bulgarian song has taken place. Since its creation in 1970, the music forum has continuously stimulated Bulgarian songwriters and performers to create new music. The awards of the contest are several: the Grand Prix, the Listeners' Award, the Debut Award and Participation in the "Eurosonic" festival in the Dutch city of Groningen.

The grand winner in the "New Bulgarian Pop and Rock Music" category is chosen by a jury, which includes composers, singers, arrangers, lyricists and producers. The winner will have the opportunity to record new music in the Second Studio of BNR, financed and produced by the public media.

Who this year's winners are is to become clear at the gala concert that takes place tonight, May 30, in Sofia Live Club, where the winner of the "Eurosonic" category will be announced. The organizers of the largest European showcase festival for contemporary pop and rock music – "Eurosonic", have already chosen who will represent our country in Groningen (the Netherlands) next year among several native candidates - heptagram, Innerglow, Kottarashky & The Preachers, Peyotoff and Woomb. The interest in participating in the event is high, as there will be representatives of European labels, club managers and members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which the Bulgarian National Radio is a part of.

A year ago, the TRIGAIDA band were chosen to represent Bulgaria in Groningen. The name of the band is a word coined by its musicians, combining the number of participants with the Bulgarian folk instrument gaida (bagpipe). The trio consisting of Asya Pincheva - vocals, Georgi Marinov aka Jorge - didgeridoo and bagpipe, and Ivan Shopov - electronics and production, present Bulgarian folklore in a unique way through the aesthetics of electronic sound. 

Photos: BNR, Trigaida