New Bulgarian University

Where:
21 Montevideo Str.
1618
Sofia
Bulgaria
Description: 

SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMY 2016

http://www.sma.nbu.bg/en

Milcho Leviev: jazz and classical piano, improvisation, conductor (Bulgaria/USA)

Vicky Almazidu: vocals, jazz, pop and world music (Greece)

Billy Cobham: percussion (USA)

Gregory Simadopoulos: piano, theory and harmony (Greece)

Audition: September 5, 2016 – NBU Aula

Date and venue: September 6-15, 2016 – NBU

Final Gala Concert – September 16, 2016 – Sofia Live Club

Registrations: http://sma.nbu.bg/

Fees:
Audition: BGN 20
Active participants: BGN 250
Students, listeners: BGN 150
Contact: +359 28110472, mstoyanov@nbu.bg
http://sma.nbu.bg
This project was made possible with the financial support of the Central Strategic Development Fund to the Board of Trustees of NBU and the US Embassy in Bulgaria.

The Gala Concert will take place on September 16th, 2015, at 9:00 pm., at Sofia Live Club, featuring the most successful participants in the Academy, with the special participation of their tutors. The auditions for all instrumentalists and singers, jazz and classical musicians (no age restrictions) will be held on September 5th, 2015, at the Aula of New Bulgarian University or via online submission of materials.
The audition for instrumentalists requires candidates to prepare three pieces (jazz/pop standard, classical or original compositions) in fast, medium and slow tempos.
The audition for singers requires candidates to prepare a folk/ethno song, jazz standard, and a piece of their choice.

The Summer Music Academy gives young musicians the chance to participate in the following Master Classes:

Milcho Leviev: jazz and classical piano, improvisation, conductor (Bulgaria/USA)
R&BB (Rhythm & Bulgarian Blues)

Vicky Almazidu: vocals, jazz, pop and world music (Greece)
“The Art of Singing” (for beginners and advanced singers and musicians)

Gregory Simadopoulos: piano, theory and harmony (Greece) - “Improvisation Tips”

Billy Cobham: percussion (USA)
“Playing the drum set based upon your personal history”

“Milcho Leviev & Vicky Almazidu” Fund, New Bulgarian University

The “Milcho Leviev & Vicky Almazidu” Fund was established during the first edition of the Summer Music Academy in 2009 with contributions from prof. Milcho Leviev, Vicky Almazidu and New Bulgarian University with the invaluable support of prof. Bogdan Bogdanov, the President of NBU, and Mr. George Tekev, Ph.D., CEO of NBU. Each year, at the final concert of the Summer Music Academy, prof. Leviev and Vicky Almazidu traditionally award scholarships from their Fund to the most successful participants of the Academy.
In two consecutive years (2009-2010), the “Dimitar Berbatov” Foundation also provided scholarships for the participants of the Summer Music Academy.

Over the years, managers of the Summer Music Academy were Pavlina Velichkova and Ch. Assist. Prof. Borislav Dochev. Since 2014, the Academy has been serviced by the team of the School of Distance, Electronic and Continuing Education of NBU – Hristo Chukurliev, Maria Tumbeva, and Martin Stoyanov.

The “Milcho Leviev & Vicky Almazidu” Fund supports the development of young musicians by providing financial assistance for the purchase of instruments, necessary music materials and books. Prof. Leviev and Vicky Almazidu provide professional promotion of the best students at all levels, including participation in joint concerts, developing key professional contacts, recommendations for scholarships, and references to distinguished musical institutions. Over the years, all participants receive as a gift the book of prof. Leviev entitled Life in 33/16, the music album “The Song of the Clown” - Vladiguerov - Leviev, produced with the financial support of NBU, and hundreds of albums of prof. Leviev and Vicky Almazidu.

In 2008, Thessaloniki was the host of a memorable concert of Bulgarian students from the Academy together with the Greek students from the class of Vicky Almazidu. The big musical event was organized with the financial support of New Bulgarian University, Milcho Leviev and Vicky Almazidu.
Many of today’s successful young musicians began their careers in the Master Classes of prof. Leviev and Vicky Almazidu.

Guest musicians at the Summer Music Academy

Over the years, a number of world famous musicians have joined the Summer Music Academy, including David Murray - saxophone (USA), Craig Bailey - saxophone (USA), Francisco Mela - percussion (USA), Chico Freeman - saxophone (USA), Aaron Goldberg - piano (USA), Marc Halbheer - drums (Switzerland), prof. Glenn Ferris - Trombone (France), and the famous Bulgarian musicians Zhivko Petrov - piano (Bulgaria), Petar Slavov - contrabass, Stoyan Yankulov -Stundji - drums.

Milcho Leviev and Billy Cobham
By a personal invitation from Milcho Leviev and with the support of New Bulgarian University and the US Embassy in Bulgaria, the special guest musician in the Summer Music Academy for this year is Billy Cobham.
The visit of the legendary percussionist is a continuation of cooperation between Cobham and prof. Leviev.
Milcho Leviev worked with Billy Cobham as, a keyboardist, composer, and arranger in Billy's
Band 1974 and 1975, tours in USA, and Europe.

Recorded 3 albums with Cobham: TOTAL ECLIPSE, SHABAZZ, and A FUNKY THIDE OF SINGS, as a pianist, composer, and arranger.

As an artistic Director of the International PLOVDIV JAZZ EVENINGS Festival, Milcho Leviev invited Billy, and his band CULTURE MIX.