Hristo Popov - violin, Joshua Pierce - piano, and Kalin Ivanov - cello

“… the premiere of Fanfare for Obama [by Roumi Petrova], a brief celebratory scherzo that concludes with allusions to The Star-Spangled Banner – nice topical inclusion and expertly played.”

“…alert and energetic account of Haydn … The effect was rollicking...”

"…a reading of unusual interest [Dvorak, “Dumky” Trio]... Unlike the rather generic treatment that this work often receives, this performance underscored the disjunctive elements of dumka’s unique form, highlighting the individual character of each succeeding section. Ivanov’s burnished cello tone contrasted rather sharply with Popov’s very bright violin.”

---Dennis Rooney

THE STRAD Magazine

Voice of the string music world since 1890

Issue: April 2009

The New York Empire Trio perform at Carnegie Hall on January 31, 2009.

DOWNLOAD their performance!

Bulgarian Virtuosi Artists

(BVA) was founded in 1995 by prominent Bulgarian cellist Kalin Ivanov. Dedicated to showcasing the finest Bulgarian musicians performing on today’s concert stages, the New York Empire Trio is just one example of the exceptional Bulgarian talent that exists within the BVA. Artists with BVA have performed in the most notable music halls in the world.

The New York Empire Trio

NYET has established itself as one of the most exciting chamber groups of our time. Founded by three talented and skilled musicians, the trio has performed in major cities in the United States and abroad. Their repertoire ranges from the early classics to the music of today, performing works from the standard chamber music literature and little known masterworks with great success. They are represented by the Bulgarian Virtuosi Artists.

Bulgarian Virtuosi Artists (BVA) was founded in 1995 by prominent Bulgarian cellist Kalin Ivanov. Dedicated to showcasing the finest Bulgarian musicians performing on today’s concert stages, the New York Empire Trio is just one example of the exceptional Bulgarian talent that exists within the BVA. Artists with BVA have performed in the most notable music halls in the world.

In addition to their technical mastery, the New York Empire Trio is known for their innovative educational programs. They give chamber music master classes at universities and other schools around the country on a regular basis. Their unique repertoire resonates with a wide variety of audiences, allowing them to present classical form in diverse ways.

In January, the trio performed at Carnegie Hall and premiered the [Roumi Petrova] composition titled “Fanfare for Obama”. Their performance was the grand finale of the BVA’s 10^th anniversary concert season at Weill Recital Hall (at Carnegie Hall) and was given in “honor of the historic election of President Barack Obama”. Supported by the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture –Directorate of Music and Dance, the Bulgarian Consulate in New York, and NEDELNIK newspaper, click here to see the program from that concert.

Our own Christopher Kaufman, a wonderful composer and classical musician in his own right, had the honor of introducing the trio just before they performed the new piece. He wrote an excellent review of the trio’s concert in which he summarized their performance as follows:

and

“… Fanfare was true to its dedication, positive uplifting themes, heroic melodies and pulsating rhythms all unifying to express a hopeful message. It is a short bright and happy piece and gave the performers an opportunity to demonstrate another facet of their musicianship.”

...Christopher Kaufman

Kaufman Productions

Renowned art critic, Dr. Roberta Zlokower of “Roberta On The Arts” also reviewed their performance and had this to say:

“Roumi Petrova’s Fanfare for Obama was premiered after intermission, … an image of morning sunshine and spiritual joy. … the work was ornamented with flourishes and fanfare.”

…Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower

www.robertaonthearts.com

So who are these guys? And how did they become the New York Empire Trio? Read on.

Kalin Ivanov, Cello

“Compared by the press to Rostropovich, Yo-Yo Ma, Piatigorsky, and Jacqueline du Pré (Ivanov) is quickly gaining recognition as an artist whose “dramatic urgency and expressive tone” (The STRAD) is matched by “His deep, emotional, and poetic performing style.” (Moscow North)

…Kalin Ivanov is a phenomenon in the palette of the most talented musicians”

---The World Panorama Magazine (Bulgaria)

A native of Bulgaria, Kalin Ivanov began studying cello with his father at the age of six. In 1999 Mr. Ivanov won the C.W. Post Chamber Music Festival Concerto Competition. His distinguished career of charismatic performances led him from the concert halls of Bulgaria to Greece, Austria, Switzerland, France, England, Russia and of course the United States.

Mr. Ivanov holds a Master of Music degree from Brooklyn College Conservatory where he studied cello with Marion Feldman. He is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Award and Cultural Achievement Award for teaching and performing in the U.S., and was awarded a career development grant by the Artist Fund of the New York Foundation for the Arts.

He and his wife recently became parents with the birth of their first child. When not tending to his new family, Mr. Ivanov teaches cello and chamber music at a number of universities and other schools in the New York area. He has given numerous master classes around the world and has served as a judge in a number of international competitions in the US and Europe. Mr. Ivanov is a founding member of The Forte String Quartet, New York Classic Trio, New York Empire Trio, Duo “BG,” and Bulgarian Piano Quartet

Kalin Ivanov with student and fellow Obama supporter, Gabriella Officer at the Brooklyn College Prep Center for the Performing Arts in 2008.

Mr. Ivanov’s performances have been broadcast all over the radio world. He was the subject of a one-hour film biography by Bulgarian National TV, which was broadcast internationally. He was the featured performer in an Emmy Award-nominated short film titled “Study with the Best” and in 2007 he recorded music for the Motion Picture Film, “LUST, CAUTION” (Oscar-winning Director Ang Lee). He has recorded three CDs. The most recent one was released on MSR Classics.

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Hristo Popov, Violin.

Popov “proved to be a true virtuoso…he fascinated the audience with his warm, Bohemian, magically sweet tone and unsurpassed brilliance!”

---Kultur am Ort, Germany

“Virtuoso-violinist extraordinaire” Hristo Popov began his musical education in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Studying at a school for gifted children he made his orchestral debut at the age of nine and hasn’t stopped performing since. After completing the remainder of his studies in the United States he has performed extensively on the concert stage as both recitalist and soloist, appearing throughout the United States, England, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria, Italy, Mexico, and Switzerland. He is a founding member of The New York Empire Trio, exclusively presented by Bulgarian Virtuosi Artists.

Hristo Popov is a former prizewinner at the Kozian International Violin Competition, Silver Medalist at the California Young Artist Competition, grand prizewinner of the International Institute of Music (Germany, USA), and first place winner of the American String Teachers’ Association Chamber Music Competition.

Currently on the faculty at Youngstown State University and Western Reserve Academy in Ohio Dr. Popov is a fierce advocate for the arts in several communities in Ohio. He is the Artistic Director of the Chagrin Valley Chamber Music Concert Series and is Founder and Artistic Director of Summer Workshop for Strings in Sandusky, Ohio – an intense program for string studies. His performances have been documented on TV and radio stations in United States, Mexico, and Bulgaria. Additionally, Popov has recorded albums for TC Recordings and Bravante Records. Whether live or on recordings, Popov consistently receives rave reviews.

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Joshua Pierce, piano.

"Pierce's bravura is polished and often fearless ..."

--- Gramophone, June 2007

Grammy-nominated Joshua Pierce Joshua Pierce is critically acclaimed as one of today's most versatile, exciting and original pianists. He is renowned as a "thoroughly musical and brilliant modern interpreter" of the standard repertoire and is widely recognized as an important exponent of contemporary music. Mr. Pierce commands a vast repertoire and has played with many prestigious orchestras in Eastern and Western Europe, Latin America and the United States.

One of the more dynamic talents of the late 20th century, Joshua Pierce was named a Yamaha Artist and just keeps on surprising and pleasing both critics and fans alike. During the course of his career, Joshua Pierce has achieved a reputation as a prolific pianist who has forged his own individual and unique style with a vast repertoire of music spanning all eras of piano literature. His technical mastery has allowed him the ability to move easily amongst the concerti of all the masters.

Mr. Pierce grew up in New York City, studying at the Julliard School of Music, pre-College Division where for seven years, he was the recipient of the Heckscher Foundation Award, as well as awards from the Manhattan School of Music, and Columbia University. He also studied at the Cleveland Institute where he received the Victor Babin Award. Many more awards would follow during his career. His principal teacher and mentor has been Dorothy Taubman; he also did extensive chamber music work with Bernard Greenhouse, Joseph Seiger and Artur Balsam.

A highly prolific recording artist, Mr. Pierce has recorded over 200 works including numerous World Premieres as a soloist and with orchestra.

This week the New York Empire Trio heads to Bulgaria for a series of concerts there. Future performances include concerts and tours in Europe and South America, followed by a recording of a CD for MSR Classics. The world is graced by the beauty of the trio’s music and further enriched by the commitment they’ve made to education and the arts through their individual and collective educational programs. We are honored to have New York Empire Trio join us here on OMAE and equally delighted to have been with them during their premiere performance of “Fanfare for Obama”.

Additional Information -

New York Empire Trio

www.bulgarianvirtuosi.com/nyempiretrio.html

Bulgarian Virtuosi Artists

www.bulgarianvirtuosi.com

Kalin Ivanov

www.kalinivanov.com

Hristo Popov

www.hpopov.com

Joshua Pierce

www.jamesarts.com/pierce.bio.html

Contact Info -

BULGARIAN VIRTUOSI Artists

PO Box 1800, New York, NY 10101

For booking inquiries –

Phone / Fax (718) 871-5041

E-mail -

BulgarianVirtuosi@yahoo.com

Performance Schedule -

www.bulgarianvirtuosi.com/2009.html

Recordings/Purchasing Information –

Visit the individual artist links above to hear samples and purchase their CDs