WIYAMS performers and the Bulgarian Music Society pose after the concert at the Embassy of Bulgaria. (Yunlong Dai and Baiying Zhang / WIYAMS)
Bulgarian Music Society, young international artists, partner for fall concert
On Oct. 3, the Bulgarian Embassy hosted a dynamic showcase of youth talent by the Washington International Young Artists Music Series (WIYAMS). Partnering with the Bulgarian Music Society, ten musicians performed a variety of classical pieces on piano, violin, vocals and more.
The event marked the Bulgarian Music Society’s opening of its 17th season and 83rd concert. Artstic Director Dr. Ivo Kaltchev says events like this bring the international community together to celebrate a common love of music and creativity, and they have their audience to thank for years of success.
“They’re always international [audiences], not only from Bulgaria, not only from America, but from many different countries… and they’re so appreciative of these events,” said Kaltchev.
WIYAMS was founded in October 2023 with the mission of providing international applicants with professional performance opportunities in the nation’s capital. The current class of performers represent six different countries, including Uzbekistan, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Spain and the US. It’s the third time they’ve partnered with the Bulgarian Music Society and the embassy, and look forward to making more connections with the international community in DC.
“I hope we’ll have more audiences to know us and support us… and enjoy the cultural exchange that is important,” said WIYAMS Artistic Director Jinwei Zhang.
Photos by Yunlong Dai and Baiying Zhang / WIYAMS.
Embassy of Luxembourg celebrates Grand Duke Guillaume V
The Embassy of Luxembourg and Ambasador Nicole Bitner-Bakshian hosted a reception to celebrate the country’s new Head of State on Oct. 3. Prince Guillaume was sworn in as the new Grand Duke of Luxembourg following the abdication of the throne by his father, Grand Duke Henri. It was the country’s first change of the monarch in 25 years.
Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez and the Embassy of Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission Takehiro Shimada.
Ambassador Nicole Bitner-Bakshian welcomed guests to the reception at the embassy. (Photo by the Embassy of Luxembourg)