After the first case of Covid-19, public attention has been focused on the operation of the healthcare system. Doctors, nurses and medical workers involved in the fight against the virus have been working all over the world under extreme pressure and struggle to save patients, risking their own life. Medics have not seen their families and beloved ones for weeks and the number of coronavirus-infected medical staff is rising every day. In Bulgaria, health care workers account for 11 percent of coronavirus cases, or a total of 147 people.

Because of their dedication and work, doctors have earned the applause of people all over the world, as well as numerous donations for the purchase of life-saving equipment. Bulgarians have also opened their hearts and participated in numerous charity causes to help the hospitals. Apart from funds raised during the charity concerts, Bulgarian musicians also help doctors morally, sending them messages of strength and faith through their music. Another good example in this direction was given by one of Bulgaria’s renowned pianists, composers and pedagogues, Professor Victor Chuchkov, who dedicated one of his performancesofa classical play to doctors. The “Flight of the Bumblebee" by Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in a variant by Konstantin Vilensky was presented in an unconventional jazz interpretation.

"With music, I would like to bring a little optimism and express my admiration for our incredible medics who risk their lives for us! I also want to thank all those who help doctors by staying at home. Let art be a countervirus that makes us better people,” Chuchkov wrote in the description to the video, entitled “Feeling for Bulgaria. Let's fly…”

In an interview with the Bulgarian National Radio, Victor Chuchkov has pointed out:

"The idea was to combine the melody with pictures from Bulgaria, not only the mountains, the sea and other natural beauties, but also to have something from contemporary Bulgaria that inspires faith and optimism in listeners."

That is why the video contains episodes of our busy everyday life – streets, the subway and concert stages.

Doctors have a special place in the heart of the renowned pianist, as his family members are doctors and he has written the music of a number of Red Cross films.

"In my family, my father, my mother and my sister are doctors, as well as my cousins, uncle, and other family members. I think music and medicine have a lot in common," Chuchkov said.

Victor Chuchkov also wished medics to stay dedicated and not to get angry if some patients lacked respect. He added that “in this moment doctors are especially important around the world as humanists who watch over us."

Chuchkov says that his performance is an act of empathy since we all need "cheerfulness, faith and a little patience." Each of the musicians who stopped their concert activity because of the pandemic is a source of ideas, the Bulgarian pianist believes. He also called on all those who ignore security measures during the pandemic not to be irresponsible, so that we can all be happy after all this is over. "After that we would see each other in concert halls, where art and the world of music would bring us together once again."

Editor: Yoan Kolev (after an interview of Tatyana Ivanova, BNR)

English: Alexaner Markov