When discussing Plovdiv Jazz Fest, the name of Miroslava Katsarova naturally comes to mind as its creator and driving force. A theologian by education and a musician by vocation, she combines artistic sensitivity with a consistent managerial approach.

In addition to being an established jazz performer with over 25 years of stage experience, she is also a recognizable radio host. For more than a decade, she has developed the festival as an international platform for encounters between Bulgarian and global artists.

The spring edition is implemented under a European project through NextGenerationEU as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, with the financial support of Bulgarian Development Bank Microfinancing.

A cultural project with a clear vision

Plovdiv Jazz Fest was launched in 2015 as a public-private initiative with the idea of offering a new type of jazz festival in Bulgaria - one that connects tradition with a contemporary sound.

“We wanted to show that jazz is not elitist music, but an art form that can touch everyone,” says Katsarova.

The choice of Plovdiv is no coincidence. The city has deep traditions in the genre and is associated with names such as Milcho Leviev, Teodosii Spasov, and Yildiz Ibrahimova. Today, the festival is establishing itself as a recognizable cultural product with international participation and a sustainable audience.

An international program with a Bulgarian focus

The festival program features both globally renowned names and leading Bulgarian musicians.

Among the guests are Gretchen Parlato, Taylor Eigsti, and David Linx, as well as the guitar duo Mike Stern and Leni Stern.

Bulgarian musicians such as Petar Slavov also perform on stage, including in joint projects with international artists. In this way, the festival creates a natural environment for exchange and development.

Support for young musicians

The educational program is an essential part of the festival’s concept.

Between 250 and 300 young Bulgarian musicians take part in workshops, working directly with internationally acclaimed artists. The format builds upon traditional masterclasses and emphasizes real teamwork and stage experience.

“We are not just looking for good musicians, but for bold artists ready to take risks,” says Katsarova.

The path to sustainability

The development of the festival has not been without challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent uncertainty in the cultural sector posed serious trials. In 2021, the team effectively had to start over financially.

Nevertheless, the festival has maintained consistency and a high artistic standard. This is also reflected in its audience, which remains diverse and open to the genre.

The role of financial partnership

The realization of the spring edition required rapid provision of bridge financing under a project within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

“The support of Bulgarian Development Bank Microfinancing was crucial for us,” Katsarova notes.

This partnership demonstrates that cultural projects can be sustainable when they are well managed and guided by a clear strategy.

Synergy between creativity and management

At the core of this development is also the partnership between Miroslava Katsarova and her husband Tanko Katsarov.

He contributes with his economic expertise to the management of the festival - from budgeting to financing models and strategic development, including the creation of the cultural organization Blue M.

This combination of artistic approach and financial discipline is key to the project’s sustainability.

The personal journey

Miroslava Katsarova’s professional path passes through philosophy, theology, and music.

As a student at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, she began singing in a jazz club and met musicians such as Rumen Toskov-Rupeto and Hristo Yotsov, who had a strong influence on her development.

Today, jazz is not only a profession but also a way of life.

“I increasingly love being the person because of whom the stage comes alive,” she says.

Plovdiv Jazz Fest is realized under project BG-RRP-11.021-003 “Together Again,” funded by the EU through NextGenerationEU under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.