Dr. Hristo Popov, DMA
Education:
National Music School “Dobrin Petkov”, Bulgaria
Performance Diploma - Idyllwild Arts Academy, California
Bachelor of Music and Artist Diploma - Oberlin College Conservatory of Music
Doctorate of Musical Arts – University of Kentucky
Notable Teachers:
Alexander Spirov, Todor Pelev, Michael Tseitlin, Oleh Krysa, Taras Gabora
Awards and Distinctions:
Prize winner – Kocian Intrnational Violin Competition (Czech Republic)
Silver Medalist at the California International Young Artist Competition
Grand Prize winner of International Institute of Music (Germany, USA) – under the patronage of Lord Yehudi Menuhin
First Prize at the American String Teacher’s Association Chamber Music Competition
Artist of the Month at the Obama for Arts and Entertainment Organization, April ‘09
Chevalier de Saint-Georges Medal of Honor for outstanding musical achievement, representation of diversity in Classical music and dedication to the memory of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, 2023
Notable Solo and Chamber Performances:
Carnegie Hall – New York
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion – Los Angeles
Severance Hall – Cleveland
Dvorak Hall at the Rudolfinum – Prague
Casa Verdi – Milan
Palau de la Musica – Barcelona
Chamber groups: Casamaggiore Trio, Niles String Quartet, New York Empire Trio, New Amici Trio
Orchestral Experience:
Concertmaster: Festival International de Musique Saint- Georges Orchestra (2016-present)
The Cleveland Opera (2005-2020)
Warren Philharmonic and Opera Western Reserve (2011-2015)
Firelands Symphony Orchestra (1999-2001)
Section Violin: The Cleveland Orchestra
Canton Symphony Orchestra
Lexington Philharmonic
Ohio Chamber Orchestra
Notable Teaching Experience:
Violin Instructor - Firelands School for the Performing Arts
Violin Instructor – Western Reserve Academy
Assistant Professor – Kent State University
Professor of Violin and Conductor of Orchestras – Youngstown State University
Artist Teacher at Fordham University, New York City
Founder and Director of Bellissima Music Academy, Wellington, Florida
Summers School Teaching:
Assistant to Prof. Taras Gabora – Casalmaggiore International Music Festival
International Festival for Strings and More in Sandusky, Ohio
Kent/Blossom Music Festival
Positano Chamber Music Festival – Italy
Summit Music Festival – New York
Interharmony International Music Festival – Italy, Germany
BellissimaFest - Florida
Student Success:
Former students have gone on to study major music schools nationally and internationally and have become professional musicians in schools, ensembles, and orchestras worldwide. Dr. Popov’s students regularly participate in contests and festivals.
More information: Hristo Popov