Georgi Atanasov (Bulgarian: Георги Атанасов) (May 6, 1882 – November 17, 1931) was a Bulgarian composer. 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. Upon receiving his diploma with the title of "maestro", he adopted the word as his formal style of address. He returned to Bulgaria soon after, becoming well known as a leader of military bands. He conducted the Sofia National Opera for the 1922/23 season. Atanasov was the first professional Bulgaria