International Youth Singing Contest Rising STARS/Фестивал "Изгряват Звезди"

The RISING STARS festival is a cultural event with a thirteen-year-long tradition. Held for the first time in 1999 on the initiative of Tanya Tocheva – a vocal coach, founder of the "SGUSHENA ZVEZDITSA" Vocal Studio and founder of the "RISING STARS" Foundation – the festival went on to acquire status as one of the most attractive cultural events for aspiring young singer. Its high standards and

value as a singers' contest has until now been consistently guaranteed by the professionalism of its organizers as well as the festival jury which has over the years features the presence of eminent high-profile Bulgarian composers like Haygashod Agassyan, Valentin Penzov, Svetoslav Loboshki, the recognized vocal coach of the Rousse IKONOMOV Vocal Studio,Villi Ikonomov,Bulgarian pop singers – Aksinia, Polli Genova, etc. The purpose of the festival has become that of creating yet another opportunity for young aspiring performers of pop, rock and jazz songs to participate in a cultural event at which they get a chance not only to demonstrate their skills and talent but also to meet other performers and make new friendships. Apart from the contest each year the programme includes a variety of other music events which help create a vibrant festive atmosphere during the three days of the RISING STARS. The last evening of the festival culminates in the gala concert filmed and broadcast on national TV channels like BTV and Rodina.