Atanas Boyadzhiev

Atanas Boyadjiev (1926 – 2017) graduated from Sofia University majoring in Law and studied Composition under Professor Dimitar Nenov. He was Music Director of the Puppet Theatre in Sofia (1946) where he composed his first songs. Since 1948, he has collaborated with Bulgarian Cinematography. He was Secretary General of the Union of Bulgarian Composers (1980-1985) and Head of the Financial Department of the Union of Bulgarian Composers (1985-1990). He wrote musicals, pop songs and instrumental pieces, children’s songs, theatre and film music. His music language in his pop songs is close to the urban and peasant folklore. In the early 1970s, he actively cooperated with emerging bands like Shturtzite (The Crickets). He won awards at many competitions and festivals, such as “The Golden Orpheus” Festival, etc. Very popular is his song “Ludo Mlado” (1970), performed and recorded by tens of singers, vocal and instrumental groups. Together with Petar Stupel he wrote the music to one of the most popular TV series in the 1960s and 1970s: At Each Kilometre, Captain Petko Voivode, etc. His music won a number of State prizes and other awards. In 2002, he won the prize of the Yossif Tzankof Fund for complete work.