Sofia, Bulgaria 26th October 2023
“We are looking at SoAlive music conference not as a stage for entertainment, but rather as a platform for music education and growth.” – Mariya Gabriel, Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Last week marked the inaugural SoAlive Music Conference (SAMC), successfully convening over 400 industry delegates, showcasing dozens of vibrant bands, and captivating thousands of live music fans over three unforgettable days.
Organised in collaboration with new IMPALA member ANMIP-BG, this event was marked by insightful keynotes from industry powerhouses, featuring Azis, the music sensation boasting over 2 billion YouTube views, renowned music journalist David Fricke and Dr. Mathew Knowles.
Kees van Weijen, President of STOMP and Executive board member of IMPALA remarked “It was inspiring to see numerous young music professionals from the Balkans enjoying the concerts and informative panels on European and regional music topics. I also had the pleasure of meeting new members from the Bulgarian Trade Association ANMIP-BG, and I’m looking forward to witnessing their promising future.”
The opening night of the conference starred impassioned speeches by Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mariya Gabriel, and Minister of Culture, Krastyo Krastev. Mariya Gabriel observed, “With innovation and youth, the Balkans have the potential to become a centre for music industry development.” The music sector also received its first-ever address from EU Commissioner of Culture, Innovation, Research and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, delivered through a special video feature.
From left to right: Mila Georgieva (SoAlive Music Conference) Mariya Gabriel (Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Kees Van Weijen (STOMP / IMPALA), Ruth Koleva (ANMIP-BG / SoAlive Music Conference / IMPALA), Krastyo Krastev (Bulgarian Ministry of Culture).
