Bulgarian singer joins Transatlantic Stars Music Program
Bulgarian singer-songwriter Ruth Koleva is among only five artists from across the European Union selected to take part in the inaugural Transatlantic Stars Music Program in the United States later this month, according to a Facebook post by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States of America.
The cultural diplomacy initiative is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States.
Koleva is participating alongside artists from France, Germany, Denmark and Portugal. The American cohort includes musicians from Philadelphia’s local music scene, CE Report quotes BTA.
In a Facebook post, Ruth Koleva said she was “deeply honoured” to be part of the first European delegation participating in the Transatlantic Stars Music Program. She described the programme as “the highest possible level of cultural and musical cooperation between Europe and the United States” and added that the recognition was important not only for Bulgaria, but for the Balkans as a whole. “Bulgaria is there. The Balkans are there,” she wrote, expressing excitement ahead of the upcoming weeks in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and New York City.
The two-week initiative, taking place from 26 May to 7 June in Philadelphia, will bring together five European musicians and five Philadelphia-based artists for collaborative songwriting sessions, live performances, mentorship and networking events aimed at building long-term international partnerships in the music industry. The programme is part of a wider EU-funded initiative designed to strengthen cultural and professional ties between European and American artists through residencies, festival appearances and industry exchange opportunities in music, film and visual arts. The residency in Philadelphia will conclude with a showcase on 3 June, where participants will present music created during the programme before travelling to Washington, D.C. for the EU Delegation’s annual State of the Arts Night.
Photo: Instagram
