From the 9th to 11th of May 2025 the International Cantus Firmus Competition was held in Sofia, Bulgaria. On the 11th of May the finals were held at Bulgaria Hall where the three finalists played a W. A. Mozart Concerto as well as priemiering “Canticum” for Solo Violin and Orchestra by G. Arnoudov written for the Competition. Stefan Burchardt played W. A. Mozart’s Violin Concerto no. 4 in D major, K.218 accompanied by members of the Sophia Philharmonic and NBU under the Baton of Maestro Christian Schulz.

Stefan Burchardt was awarded the Grand Prize, 2nd Prize and the Gèza Anda Foundation award. He will subsequently be returning to Sophia to perform again with the orchestra at the European Festival. As part of the Gèza Anda Foundation award he will also be performing chamber music concerts in both Switzerland and Bulgaria.