The news spread in Burgas: The Municipal Council made a decision to award prominent figures with the title "Honorary Citizen of Burgas Municipality".
The long-awaited vote took place today, and the results reflect universal recognition of the exceptional contribution of the nominees.
The atmosphere in the meeting hall was filled with tension as the municipal councilors discussed and voted on the proposed names.
Posthumously Awarded
Composer Prof. Ivo Keremidchiev and writer Alek Popov received unanimous support. Both artists will be awarded posthumously with the title, both gathering 47 votes "for". The proposal for actor Rusi Chanev was approved with 46 votes "for" and one "abstention". Artist Assoc. Prof. Dimo Kolibarov also received full support, reflecting the broad assessment of his contribution.
No less interesting was the vote for Assoc. Prof. Nikolay Ralev. He received the support of 39 municipal councilors, with 6 abstaining.
Actor Dimitar Rachkov collected comparatively fewer votes, but was nevertheless approved. 37 people voted for him, 7 abstained, and one municipal councilor voted "against". In this case, municipal councilor Georgi Manev recused himself, pointing out his friendly relations with the nominee.
According to established tradition, the awards will be presented at a solemn meeting of the Municipal Council. It will take place on the city's holiday - St. Nicholas Day, December 6.
Prof. Ivo Keremidchiev, born in Burgas, was a landmark figure in Bulgarian music. His work covered a number of genres and activities, including composing and sound engineering. He graduated with a degree in "Violin" from the State Music Academy in Sofia, and later specialized in Germany. His creative path began as an assistant concertmaster, but quickly developed in the field of sound recording and teaching. As a lecturer at the National Music Academy "Prof. Pancho Vladigerov", he headed the specialty "Sound Engineering, Sound and Media Design". Professor Keremidchiev is the author of over 1200 sound recordings, and his projects include the creation of a modern recording studio, funded by the Japanese government. Among the initiatives he has implemented are the specialties "Media Composition" and "Sound Direction", as well as programs to promote Bulgarian culture. Recognition for his work includes the "Crystal Lyre" and "Crystal Necklace" awards. His name is also associated with the creation of the specialty "Sound Engineering" at the Music School in Burgas.
Alek Popov, also awarded posthumously, was a personality whose work is deeply connected with Burgas. He graduated from the National High School for Ancient Languages and Cultures and "Bulgarian Philology" at Sofia University, and later specialized in the USA. His novels and short stories, such as "Mission London" and "The Black Box", often find inspiration in the urban environment of Burgas. The novel "Mission London" became a global literary success. His works have been awarded with numerous literary awards, and during his lifetime he was a corresponding member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and participated in various editorial boards and organizations.
Rusi Ivanov Chanev is an emblematic figure in Bulgarian cinema and theater. Born in Burgas, he graduated in acting from the class of Prof. Boyan Danovski in 1967. His creative path passes through the Drama Theater in Plovdiv, the Youth Theater, the "Sofia" Theater and the National Theater "Ivan Vazov". He is one of the founders and director of the Small City Theater "Behind the Channel". He has participated in over a hundred roles in theater, cinema and television. His iconic roles are in "Avantaj", "Mera according to Mera", "Doomed Souls", "Konstantin Philosopher", "Time Divided". As a co-screenwriter, together with director Georgi Dyulgerov, he created the emblematic films "Avantaj" and "Mera according to Mera". Chanev is the recipient of numerous awards, including the "Askeer", "Crystal Lyre", "Honored Artist" awards, as well as the Order of "St. St. Cyril and Methodius". His literary activity also includes the adaptation of "Under the Yoke" for children.
Assoc. Prof. Dimo Kolibarov is an established artist and lecturer. He graduated from the Secondary Special Art School "Tsanko Lavrenov" in Plovdiv, and then from the National Art Academy. Since 1991, he has been a member of the Union of Bulgarian Artists. He teaches "Graphics and Composition" at the branch of the NHA in Burgas. His work has been awarded with awards from Bulgaria, Japan, Italy, China, Turkey, the Czech Republic and Lithuania, and in 2024 he was chosen as "Artist of the Year" by the Society of Burgas Artists.
Dimitar Rachkov, known for his numerous roles in theater, cinema and television, is another of the new honorary citizens. He graduated from NATFIZ, and his creative path includes participation in the theaters in Sliven, Varna and Sofia, as well as in the National Theater "Ivan Vazov". He is known from films such as "Avantaj", "The Rebellion of L." and television shows such as "Club UFO", "Masters of the Air", "Like Two Drops of Water" and others. Rachkov is the winner of the "Askeer" award for rising star.
Assoc. Prof. Nikolay Ralev, born in Burgas, is an engineer and scientist associated with the development of higher education in the city. He graduated from VMEI in Sofia. His career began at the Radio Relay and Television Station "Sunny Beach". He is a lecturer and public figure, having gone through all academic degrees. Ralev is the author of the project for the creation of a state university in Burgas and is its first rector.