Svet Stoyanov
University of Miami / International Soloist - United States
Overview
Praised by The New York Times for his "understated but unmistakable virtuosity" along with a "winning combination of gentleness and fluidity", Svet Stoyanov is a driving force in the art of modern concert percussion.
Winner of the Concert Artists Guild International Competition in New York and most recently awarded the 2010 "Johns Hopkins University Outstanding Recent Graduate Award", Mr. Stoyanov captivates audiences with his dynamic concerto performances, riveting recital presentations and the elegance of his chamber music collaborations.
He made his New York City debut at the Avery Fisher Hall (Lincoln Center), performing the world premiere of Phillip Glass' "Concerto Fantasy" for Two Timpanists and Orchestra as a co-soloist, together with the American Symphony Orchestra and Leon Botstein. Svet Stoyanov has since performed this work with numerous orchestras, featuring the Chicago Symphony led by James Conlon; the Seattle Symphony with music director Gerard Schwarz; the New York Pops with Skitch Henderson at Carnegie Hall and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
As a soloist Svet Stoyanov has presented hundreds of concert performances worldwide. Highlights feature Weill Recital Hall (Carnegie hall solo recital debut), The Kennedy Center, NYC Downtown River to River Festival's "Summer Stars", New Works Series at the Thalia - Symphony Space, Merkin Concert Hall, California's Jose Iturbi Gold Medal Series, The Orange County Performing Arts Center, The Corcoran Gallery, Emilia Romagna Festival and many more. Upcoming engagements feature performances in Baltimore, New York City, Los Angeles, we well as Europe and Asia.
A strong chamber music ambassador, Mr. Stoyanov was invited to perform as part of a select group for the inaugural concerts of Carnegie Hall's newest space, Zankel Hall. He has also appeared at Weill Hall in Pierre Boulez's "Le marteau sans Maitre" with the composer conducting, as well as for one of the three concerts celebrating composer Steve Reich's 70th birthday in Carnegie Hall. Additional concert appearances feature the Ravinia Festival, Yellow Barn, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, Festival Miami, Made in America, and Arizona Friends of Chamber Music Festival amongst others. As a chamber musician, Mr. Stoyanov has also performed under the baton of Brad Lubman, Oliver Knussen and John Adams. He has taken a part in the premiere of a numerous chamber works. Most recently such include Bruce Adolphe's chamber opera "Let Freedom Sing" (premiered in Washington DC in partnership between the Washington National Opera and the Washington Performing Arts Society) and Alejandro Vinao's "Arabesco Infinito" and Libby Larsen's "Like Two Blind Men Tapping in the Dark".
Currently Mr. Stoyanov is the Head of Percussion Studies and Professor of Percussion at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami, FL. His passion as an educator has additionally led him to present numerous masterclasses and be a part of various percussion events worldwide. In 2009 he was invited to join marimba virtuoso Katarzyna Mycka as a faculty at her International Marimba Akademie. After a second invitation, he will join Ms. Mycka again in 2011. Additionally, Mr. Stoyanov was invited to present chamber music and solo performances at the Taipei International Percussion Festival 2011. During his travel to Asia, he will also visit South Korea for numerous concerts and educational events. Upcoming educational events in the USA include masterclasses in Baltimore, Towson, Denver, Connecticut and Michigan.
Mr. Stoyanov's most recent appearances feature chamber ensemble concerts in Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center, as well as his participation in the Marimba 2010 International Festival and Conference in Minneapolis MN. This event is widely described as the largest of its kind worldwide, celebrating the art of the marimba. During this festival Mr. Stoyanov enjoyed collaborating with various artists and groups, featuring Katarzyna Mycka, William Moersch and the "Vocal Essence" Choir.
Mr. Stoyanov's upcoming engagements feature a premiere and numerous performances of Paul Lansky's new work "Idle Fancies" (percussion consortium led by S. Stoyanov), a premiere of Martin Bresnick's new work "A message from the emperor" (co-commissioned by S. Stoyanov); a performance of Pierre Jalbert's Marimba Concerto with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, as well as 2 new CD recording projects.
Svet Stoyanov's debut CD, "Percussive Counterpoint", was released to a great success and hailed by both casual listeners and professionals. Centerpieces on this album are Mr. Stoyanov's marimba/vibraphone transcription of "Electric Counterpoint" by Steve Reich, which was officially approved by the composer, a video of Thierry de Mey's "Musique de Table" (Enhanced CD feature), as well as Alejandro Vinao's "Khan Variations".