Without a winner and other many surprises marked the end of the first International composition contest “Sofia 2009”, organized by the Sofia municipality for the 130th anniversary of the city’s recognition as a capital.

The competition was for string orchestra compositions, and the presented compositions were evaluated by a jury that consisted of: Georgi Minchev (chief), Velislav Zaimov, Paul-Heinz Dietrich (Germany), Carlos Galan (Spain) and prof. Plamen Djurov.

Voting was anonymous, using the method of the Composition tribune in Paris. The jury was very surprised to learn that young jazz and rock musicians are successfully composing classical pieces.

A first prize was not given. Two “second” prizes (1000 euro) were given to Liubomir Denev for “Concerto Nostalgico” and Emerich Ambil for “Air & Toccata”.

Danail Tanev received third prize. Ondrei Sharek from the Czech Republic received the prize of the chamber ensemble “Sofia soloists”.