Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble was founded in 1962. Since its foundation 40 years ago it has been conducted by Vassil Kazandjiev (1964-1978), Emil Tabakov (1979-1988) and its present conductor - Plamen Djouroff, who has been connected with the work of the ensemble since 1988. Sofia Soloists has preserved throughout the years its image of an elite formation with an exceptionally rich repertoire from the 16-20th centuries, including works by Bulgarian composers. The present release features four pieces composed during the 1970s-1990s. Symphony No 4 by Lyubomir Pipkov (1904-1974) was written in the last years of the composer's life (1970). For this composition his choice fell on the chamber expression of the string orchestra. Meditations by Lazar Nikolov (b. 1922) was written for string quartet (1970) and a year later it was revised for string orchestra. Microsymphony (1922) by Dimitar Tapkoff (b. 1929) brings out the most concentrated expression of the symphonic model. The work is dedicated to Arthur Honegger and the use of his initials A, H has not only tonal and constructive role but also introduces semantically the question of tradition and stability of musical values. Requiem for an Unknown Young Man for 13 stringed instruments (1968) by Simeon Pironkov (1927-1999) combines the European liturgical choral tradition and the composition and technical devices of aleatory music.
Sofia Soloists' conductor, Plamen Djouroff (b. 1949), graduated from the Pancho Vladigerov State Academy of Music in Sofia. He furthered his studies in conducting at the Vienna Academy of Music under Karl Osterreicher. Besides being conductor of Sofia Soloists, Mr. Djouroff is also one of the outstanding Bulgarian composers. His works have been performed and released in Bulgaria and abroad.