Every performance tells a story. A story about love, about struggle, about beating the odds and emerging as the victor. We need these stories to feel inspired, to escape from everyday reality, and experience a fairytale world that demonstrates the immense power of human imagination.

On December 12, our performance story took the British School of Sofia (BSS) Winter Concert audience to more than one magical world. We witnessed Peter Pan’s youthful rebellion, we were angered by the injustice Matilda had to face from Mrs. Trunchbull, and we felt the hardships Annie and the other orphans dealt with (does the It’s a Hard Knock Life melody already play in your head?).

If you haven’t guessed it yet, the British School of Sofia Winter Concert in 2024 was musical theatre-themed. Our talented students worked on some of the most memorable pieces from Peter Pan, Descendants, Annie, and Matilda. 

Over the course of two hours, we sang, we laughed, we even shed a few tears provoked by some of the more heartfelt performances.

The Winter Concert is a well-established BSS tradition. It gives everyone the opportunity to showcase their talent while parents take a peek at the amazing world that the BSS artistic community has conceptualised and brought to reality. 

Under the skilful guidance of music teacher Eleonora Bakalova, the BSS vocal group, as well as each grade worked on a performance either inspired by a famous musical theatre or representing a well-known act that members of the audience immediately recognised. 

Our night of musical theatre magic became a true testament to diverse talent. From playing the cello to doing highly choreographed numbers, the BSS students poured their hearts and artistic abilities into a production that extended well beyond what a regular school performance looks like. 

The BSS vocal group powered through the introductory numbers, setting the tone and letting everyone know the evening ahead will be filled with wonderful music and theatrical acts bringing together hard work, emotion, and everyone’s love for the performance arts.

Apart from the beautiful solos and dance performances, we also had the chance to experience the cuteness overload brought to the stage by our kindergarten pirates and ballerinas.

Conceptually, the Winter Concert took an innovative approach toward school concert execution, and as humbly as possible, we believe the formula paid off.

Apart from the incredible performances, parents and attendees also experienced our charity bazaar – an initiative that BSS students undertake each year in an attempt to support a worthy cause. This edition of the bazaar featured handmade holiday crafts. All of the funds raised through the bazaar will go towards supporting the dog shelter initiative launched by the BSS Student Council in 2023.