Nayden Gerov

Nayden Gerov (1916–1989) graduated from the American College in Sofia (1930). He studied the piano with Dmitri Goncharov, Theory of Music and Composition with Johannes Naumann. He worked at the Experimental Theatre of Sofia, the Blue Shirts Theatre (1939-41) and was accompanist at the Varna Opera (1947–61). There he composed his first opera. His constant assistant-librettist was his wife Alla Zaharchuk-Gerova. From 1962 to the end of his life he worked as a freelance composer. Besides his stage works, he is also author of an oratorio and a requiem; three symphonies; four concertos; chamber instrumental and vocal music; choral songs; theatre and film music.