One of the most significant jazz forums in Bulgaria – Plovdiv Jazz Fest, started in July with an edition in the village of Markovo and continues in the autumn in Plovdiv, when traditionally we can expect a meeting with some of the biggest names in jazz in the world.

In the period November 7 to 9, on the stage of the Boris Hristov House of Culture in Plovdiv, we will have the unique opportunity to hear live renowned musicians such as Prof. Hristo Yotsov, Milen Kirov, Bulgarian band ZONE C and others.

Before the impressive autumn program, Plovdiv Jazz Fest will make another gift to music lovers in August. According to the festival’s traditions, for the fourth year in a row, a free open-air concert awaits us in the center of the village of Markovo. On August 21 we will listen to virtuoso clarinetist Ivo Papazov-Ibryama and his "Trakia" orchestra. This time, the summer program of the festival is dedicated to Balkan and ethno jazz, world music and in general - to the mixing of jazz sound with traditional music.

World-famous musician Ivo Papazov-Ibryama was born in Kardzhali into a family of musicians. His birth name is Ibryam Hapazov. He started playing when he was a child and for more than 50 years he has been mixing Roma music, Bulgarian folklore, Turkish, Greek and Balkan rhythms, jazz and funk. He does this in an absolutely inimitable and recognizable way.

These days, together with his orchestra, composed of musicians from different ethnic groups and from different parts of Bulgaria, Ibryama receives offers for concerts all over the world. Media outlets, such as The Guardian, The Washington Post and The New York Times call him "the Bulgarian Benny Goodman" and "the greatest clarinetist in the Balkans".

Editor: Dilyana Tracheva

Publication in English: Al. Markov

Photos: @ApolloniaFestival, Facebook /Plovdiv Jazz Fest