The emergence and popularization of the accordion in Bulgaria dates from the beginning of the twentieth century, but by the 1930s it already became widely spread as a solo instrument, or as an instrument in small groups. There were well-known accordionists playing in instrumental groups for folk music. Today the accordion is a part of the festive celebrations in Bulgaria and there are many virtuosic players of this instrument. An accordionist of remarkable gifts who has attracted the attention of connoisseurs of instrumental folk music since 1980 is Neshko Neshev. His name is connected with the Trakia Orchestra, which was founded by him and the clarinet player Ivo Papazov (Ibryama) in 1975. With the Trakia Orchestra he toured Asia, the Americas, Australia, and Europe. He has won prestigious awards, among them first prize in the accordionists competition in Finland (1985) and a commendation from the World Music Institute (USA, 1999).
Being a professional authority on the various folk regions in Bulgaria, Neshko Neshev bases his own music on Bulgarian folk idioms, and his composition Belomorska Suite was awarded first prize in the competition of the Bratislava Radio in 1984.