Georgi Atanasov (May 6, 1882 – November 17, 1931) was one of the most notable  Bulgarian composer and conductor of the last century.

A native of Plovdiv, Atanasov began formal musical studies in Bucharest at the age of 14. From 1901 until 1903 he studied composition at the Rossini Conservatory in Pesaro with Pietro Mascagni

He returned to Bulgaria soon after, becoming at first well known as a leader of military bands, and then a very accomplished orchestra conductor.

He conducted the Sofia National Opera for the 1922/23 season.

Beside the activity as a conductor, Atanasov was the first professional Bulgarian opera composer.

His lyrical, romantic style shows the influence of late 19th-century Italian opera, but is primarily melodic and also bears traces of folk idioms

He also used to alternate contrasting musical numbers to achieve dramatic effect in his works.

His most frequently performed opera is “Gergana”, the first Bulgarian opera to make an individual character the center of the plot.

He died in Italy in 1931