The 17th season of the Bulgarian Music Society Concert Series began Friday evening at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria with a concert presented in partnership with the Washington International Young Artists Music Series (WIYAMS). A full audience of diplomats, music supporters, and community members gathered for a night of classical music performed by young musicians from around the world.
The event was supported by Dr. Daniela Power and held in memory of her late husband Charles Power and father Decho Dechev. It also marked WIYAMS’s third appearance at the embassy.
A Diverse Lineup
Eight musicians from six countries—the United States, China, Korea, Spain, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan—performed a program that included works by Schumann, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Ysaÿe, Puccini, Strauss, and Ravel.
Violinist Xiang Fang, a 2025 WIYAMS ARTIST, opened the concert with the first movement of Fauré’s Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, joined by pianist Janghyo Yoo. Fang’s performance was expressive and well-balanced, setting a thoughtful tone for the evening. Fang impressed with her warm tone and careful phrasing, making every note feel intentional and full of meaning. Her command of the instrument brought a fresh and engaging energy to Fauré’s sonata.
Pianist Dr. Xiaoya Gao, also a 2025 WIYAMS ARTIST, played Rachmaninoff’s Barcarolle with Colin Levins. Their interpretation brought out the gentle flow and shifting harmonies of the piece. The duet performance captured the deep emotional layers in the music, moving from quiet nostalgia to a sense of longing, with a sound that was both sensitive and sincere.
Malaysian bass-baritone Nazrin Azlan Alymann followed with three songs from Ravel’s Don Quichotte à Dulcinée, performed with pianist Guzal Isametdinova. His voice carried strength and character, especially in the final drinking song, which drew laughter and applause.
Bass-baritone Nazrin Azlan Alymann with Pianist Guzal Isametdinova
Violinist Jiaqi Yu, another 2025 WIYAMS ARTIST, performed Ysaÿe’s Sonata for Solo Violin in A Minor. Yu’s performance of Ysaÿe’s sonata was marked by both technical precision and emotional depth, highlighting its contrasting moods and fast-moving passages. She navigated the complex passages smoothly while bringing out the darker, more introspective moments with great sensitivity.
Pianist Yanzuo Nicole Liu, also named a 2025 WIYAMS ARTIST, performed Schumann’s Piano Sonata No. 2 in G Minor. Her thoughtful interpretation gave shape to the sonata’s emotional shifts, from urgency to reflection.
To close the program, soprano Dr. Danielle McKay, accompanied by Dr. Julia Aguayo, sang two crowd favorites: “Quando m’en vo” from La Bohème and “Csárdás” from Die Fledermaus. McKay brought clarity and playfulness to both arias, ending the concert on an upbeat note.
Music and Diplomacy
The Embassy’s Temporary Chargé d’Affaires, Ms. Stefka Yovcheva, welcomed the audience at the start of the evening. She spoke about the value of hosting young performers from different parts of the world, noting how music can bring people together in ways words sometimes cannot.
The concert was organized under the artistic direction of Jinwei Zhang for WIYAMS and Dr. Ivo Kaltchev for the Bulgarian Music Society. Their ongoing collaboration continues to provide young performers with opportunities to share their work on international stages, while also building a vital bridge for musical and cultural exchange.
WIYAMS ARTISTS with Ms. Stefka Yovcheva, Dr. Ivo Kaltchev, and Mr. Jinwei Zhang
After the concert, a reception in the Embassy’s main hall gave guests the chance to speak with the performers and enjoy light refreshments.
A Strong Start
The concert was a reminder of how live music, especially in an intimate setting, can leave a lasting impression. For WIYAMS and the Bulgarian Music Society, it was a strong beginning to the 2025–26 season, and a clear sign of what’s to come.
