SOFIA, BULGARIA—In a celebration of unity through diversity, the ‘Magnificent Bridges of Light’ concert took center stage on February 17th at Sofia’s Military Club. The event, held beneath the grand arches of the venue’s historic Baroque Concert Hall, marked the annual United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), an initiative promoting dialogue and collaboration among different religious traditions.
Under the honorary patronage of H.E. Mrs. Andrea Ikić-Böhm, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, and in the esteemed presence of H.R.H. Prince Boris Saxe-Coburg-Gotha of Bulgaria, the concert showcased an extraordinary fusion of art and interfaith understanding. Among the distinguished guests was Eric Roux, Chair of the Global Council of United Religions Initiative (URI), who attended in support of BRIDGES (URI Cooperation Circle) and the young performers from diverse religious backgrounds.
A Baroque-inspired spectacle, the concert wove together multiple art forms, as over 50 young artists from six different religious traditions took the stage. Through music, dance, and performance, they conveyed powerful messages of peace and harmony, embodying the spirit of the WIHW. Hosting the event were Silvia Trifonova and Dimitar Borumov, two prominent youth leaders dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue.
Angelina Vladikova, Chair of BRIDGES and URI Europe CC Liaison Officer, welcomed dignitaries and guests, emphasizing the organization’s long-standing commitment to interfaith engagement and youth education. “With concerts like this, BRIDGES aims to show how much beauty there is in our diversity and what a constructive force comes from our unity and the ability to unite beyond differences,” she remarked.
Speaking in Bulgarian, Ambassador Ikić-Böhm underscored Austria’s dedication to intercultural dialogue. “Intercultural dialogue is one of the priorities of the Embassy of Austria, and we are happy to be a patron and partner of the concert ‘Magnificent Bridges of Light’ and to celebrate the United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week in Sofia together,” she stated.
Prince Boris Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, also addressing the audience in Bulgarian, reflected on his continued involvement with BRIDGES CC. “I am very happy to be here with you today and to see the work of the BRIDGES talents. Almost a year ago I came to present them with the first Abdullah II Award. Over the past year, I have witnessed the growth and impact the association has had on the community, and I can’t wait to see what we will do together,” he shared.
Echoing these sentiments, Eric Roux commended BRIDGES’ contributions to interfaith cooperation. “At URI, we are very proud of the work of BRIDGES, one of our shining Cooperation Circles. Not only because last year they won the first Prize of the UN Interfaith Harmony Week, but because of the fantastic work they do by engaging the younger generation in a truly genuine interfaith cooperation. And when the younger generation sets the good example as they do here, then comes the real hope for a better future for all,” he said.
The event drew an audience of over 300 attendees, including ambassadors, parliament members, government representatives, and leaders from various religious communities. The success of the concert builds on BRIDGES CC’s growing recognition, following their ‘Gift of Love’ concert in 2024, which received the prestigious first prize of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, awarded by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. With the overwhelming response to ‘Magnificent Bridges of Light,’ organizers have announced plans to once again apply for this esteemed award, reaffirming their commitment to fostering interreligious harmony through artistic expression.
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