The Great Singer and Poet Mihail Belchev Has Died

06.04.2026 | Bulgaria

Sad news: Bulgaria has lost the legendary Mihail Belchev. The creator of unforgettable songs and a cultural figure has passed away, leaving behind a rich creative legacy and a deep mark on Bulgarian culture.

Снимка от Biser Todorov, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The great singer, composer, and poet Mihail Belchev has passed away, his wife Kristina Belcheva announced to BTA.

Mihail Belchev was born on August 13, 1946, in Sofia. Among his most popular songs are: "Youth is Leaving", "Don't Grow Old, Love", "Revelation", "Friendship", and others.

He directed television shows and films, including the first television pantomime show "Krugovrat". He is the author of music for theatrical productions and films. He was the director of the Sofia City Library (2008-December 10, 2013).

Belchev is the author of the autobiographical book "Ever Closer to the Angel" (2024). He is a recipient of the Order of Cyril and Methodius, first degree (1982), four first prizes from the "Golden Orpheus" festival (1969, 1984, 1990, 1998), and a lifetime achievement award from the "Golden Orpheus" festival (1996).

He was awarded the title "Honored Artist" (1987). He was the first recipient of the National Literary Award "Georgi Djagarov" from the Union of Bulgarian Writers (July 14, 2004). He is a recipient of the Order "Stara Planina" first degree (December 12, 2018). He was awarded the title "Honorary Professor of the University of Library Science and Information Technologies" (May 25, 2021). He became an honorary citizen of Sofia in 2004.

We pay our respects to his memory!