Open to young performers, music theorists and composers from throughout the world, the competition provides them with new opportunities to compete and communicate with their colleagues, to explore and exchange original ideas, to interpret classical and contemporary music. The agenda also includes a number of artistic meetings, a workshop, an “Academy of Mastery”, as well as concert performances by renowned musicians. The first edition of ‘Young Virtuosos’ was in 2004, when director Milka Miteva suggested it as a way to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the school. The competition is organized annually and takes place in the Concert Hall of the National School of Music, with the assistance of the Board of Trustees and the exclusive support of the America for Bulgaria Foundation.