The Union of Bulgarian Composers is a continuator of the "Contemporary Music" Society, which was founded in 1933 and existed until 1944. In 1947 it renewed its activities under the name of Union of Bulgarian Composers, Musicologists and Concert-Giving Artists. Seven years later the performers broke away and the union was renamed as Union of Bulgarian Composers with two sections - of composers and musicologists. Apart from regular and candidate-members, the Union also comprises councelling members. The latter are prominent musicians - singers, instrumentalists and conductors who work actively for the promotion of Bulgarian music. The Union has its branches in Bulgaria's lager sities.

So far the union of Bulgarian Composers has been chaired by Lubomir Pipkov, Filip Koutev, Dimitar Petkov, Alexander Raichev and Parashkev Hadjiev. Presently it is headed by Mr. Lazar Nikolov.

The Union of Bulgarian Composers is a non-profit creative association and one of its main objectives is to promote the creation, distribution and popularisation of new musical works. One of the most significant initiatives in this respect is the annual review of newly created works by Bulgarian composers entitled "New Bulgarian Music" which was started in 1952. It presents the best works created by Bulgarian composers during the previous year.

The Union of Bulgarian Composers regularly organises concerts of Bulgarian music at the Union's hall, together with Days of Bulgarian Music in various cities throughtou the country. In 1951 the Study of the Young Composer was created which arranges reviews of the works by young authors. Since 1980 they have been held regularly under the title Young Bulgarian Music. The Musicologists' Section is doing active research work on Bulgarian folklore, on the works by Bulgarian composers and the development of national musical culture.

Every year the Union grants awards for compositional and musicological achievements.