My Musical Journey
As a young child in Bulgaria, I would sit inches from the turntable, mesmerised by vinyl dramatizations of children’s stories. I would twirl around the room, overwhelmed by the delight and the anxiety those tales stirred in me. It was these records that introduced me to classical music, a genre I’ll always love.
I originally wanted to learn the piano, but music teachers persuaded my parents to choose the cello instead. “There are far too many pianists in the world and not enough cellists,” they said. So at seven years old, I began playing the cello.
My musical path led me to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, where I earned my Master’s Degree. From there, I moved to the USA to study at Indiana University in Bloomington under the world-renowned Japanese cellist, Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi.
I studied with Professor Tsutsumi in 1999- the same year János Starker celebrated his 75th birthday. I have such fond memories of performing Popper’s Suite Op. 16 (arranged for cello ensemble and conducted by the brilliant Emilio Colón). It was a truly remarkable event where legends like Rostropovich, Starker, Tsutsumi, and Maria Kliegel all shared the stage. It was an honour to be one of hundreds of cellists on stage for that historic concert.
I deeply valued Professor Tsutsumi’s kind teaching style and our many discussions on pedagogy. It was his encouragement that led me to study Psychology at Hope College in Michigan. I am a proud alum of Hope College, recognized among America’s top research colleges and standing alongside Yale, Harvard, and Stanford in providing outstanding undergraduate research opportunities.
Despite all the years of studying and performing, composing never crossed my mind. Not until a few years ago.
Repetitive‑strain injuries had left my hands too weak to manage the classical repertoire I once played with ease. One day, after complaining about it, a friend casually suggested, “Why don’t you write some music for yourself?” I tried it and loved it! I haven’t stopped writing since.
Writing music is my greatest passion in life and I am delighted to share it with you.