In 1980, October 1st was officially declared Bulgarian Singers and Musicians Day. The unique Middle-Ages composer,Yoan Koukouzel (called the Angel-Voiced, because of his unique talent as a singer) was born on that day.
According to the life story of that composer, considered one of the most eminent singers and reformers of Byzantine church music, he was a Bulgarian from the town of Dirachia (Durazzo) who lived in the 14th century. He got an elite education at the court school of music and his unique talent was highly appreciated in the Emperors court.
Later on, Yoan Kukuzel left secretly for Athos, and became a monk at the St Athannassius of Athos Monastery, where he spent the rest of his life.