SOFIA, Bulgaria—Armenian singer Hayk Mkhoyan has returned with golden medals from the 6th Bulgarian National Championship of Folklore, also known as “Euro Folk 2015,” held in Bulgaria from May 7 to 17. The festival featured participants from about 60 countries.

Mkhoyan was conferred an award in the “Individual Performance” category after he impressed the jury with an a cappella performance of “Horovel” by Komitas.

This was the first time Armenia participated in this international festival, which has been held for eight years.

“The songs I performed were translated so that the listeners and the jury can understand their meaning, and as a result reference was made to the Armenian Genocide,” Mkhoyan told a press conference.

According to him, it was important to raise the issue of the Armenian Genocide from an international podium, he said.

The singer believes this international competition will open new perspectives of cooperation.