Milcho Leviev, composer (Bulgaria, USA)
Milcho Leviev has been honoured with various awards as a composer, performer (piano, keyboard and conductor) and a teacher of classical and jazz music. Leviev was the head of the Big Band of the Bulgarian National Radio and Television from 1962 to 1966. He is also the winner of the Critic’s Award at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967. Leviev is the author of the arrangement of ‘Blue Rondo a la Turk’ (composed by Dave Brubek) which was part of Al Jiro’s Grammy wining album ‘Breaking Away’ in 1982. He was also nominated for a Grammy for best vocal arrangement on Charlie Parker’s composition, recorded by Manhattan Transfer for the album ‘Mecca For Moderns’ from 1981. Milcho Leviev is the author of the score for films like Letter to America, Chickpeas, Men, Little Secrets, Autumn Sun, Monday Morning, Dangerous Flight, Torrid Noon, Sidetracked, The Icon Stand, a number of animations, documentary and television films.
Milcho Leviev was awarded the Sofia Municipality award for outstanding achievements in world cinema in 2008.