The Dordrecht Philharmonic Orchestra, in collaboration with the Dordrecht-Varna Sister City Association, is organizing a special fall concert on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This concert promises to be the musical highlight of a quarter-century of sister city relations and is therefore supported by the municipality.
A famous musician born in Varna takes the stage: Miroslav Petkov. Petkov has been the principal trumpeter of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra since 2016 and ranks among the world’s very best. In addition to the classical repertoire, Petkov feels a strong connection to the Bulgarian folk music he grew up with. He enjoys combining that background with jazz, improvisation, and contemporary musical styles. The fusion of classical and jazz is evident in George Gershwin’s famous *Rhapsody in Blue* (1924). Petkov will perform this work with the Phil under the baton of conductor Jean-Pierre Gabriël. Petkov will also perform a piece by the renowned Spanish composer Ricardo Molla with the Phil, a work composed especially for him.
The orchestra will also perform various other pieces, including James Barnes’s captivating *Danza Sinfonica* (2004), which evokes the atmosphere of Spanish flamenco. Bulgarian composer Tsvetan Momchilov (from Varna) is the evening’s second special guest. After the concert, he will perform in the foyer alongside Dordrecht-based jazz musicians Timothy van Holst (drums) and Nick McGuire (double bass).
Since 2001, Dordrecht and Varna have been collaborating on cultural, social, and educational projects. Numerous exchanges have taken place in the fields of music, art, education, youth, and entrepreneurship.
During the presale through August 31, tickets cost €20 (including an intermission drink); after that, they cost €22.50. Tickets are available at www.dpho.nl. [Photo by Eduardes Lee]
