Professor Marin Chonev 1932 - 2012

Marin Chonev, father of our CEO and International Director, Kalin Tchonev, was a distinguished Bulgarian conductor and educator, celebrated for his lifelong contributions to choral music and the musical life of Varna. He was the founder and leading choirmaster of "Morski Zvutsi" (The Representative Varna Civic Chorus) and the Choir of Varna Boys and Young Men. He served as a professor of conducting at Varna Open University, the Varna Institute of Post-Graduate Qualifications for Teachers, and the Plovdiv Conservatory. Professor Chonev also founded the International Choral Competition in Varna, Bulgaria, one of the five European choral competitions that together comprise the prestigious European Grand Prix for Choral Singing.

His many awards and accomplishments include the 2012 Crystal Lyre Award, the Varna Arts Award, recognition as an Honorary Citizen of Varna, an honorary doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) from the University of Shumen, and a National Medal for Exceptional Achievements in the Sphere of Culture and Music, awarded by the President of Bulgaria.

Beloved throughout the Bulgarian music community, Professor Chonev was remembered after his death in 2012 with a tribute from "Morski Zvutsi" and the Choir of Varna Boys and Young Men: "Through his hard work and dedication, Professor Marin Chonev has become the musical emblem of Varna. Although honesty and sincerity make one vulnerable, he remained an honest and sincere man, invulnerable to the whims of the times in which he lived. Marin Chonev not only lived among us by generously endowing us his talents as a teacher and conductor, but he also touched and blessed us, impacting the lives of many people."