Emil Tabakov presents two of his works recorded with the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra of Turkey. The works were written in different periods: the Concerto for Violoncello in 2006 and the orchestra piece “Ad Infinitum” (“To Eternity”) – in 1989. They belong to the rich and diverse work output of the composer. His first more significant piece is the ballet “Sashka” written in 1967 when he was a student at the “Pancho Vladigerov” National Academy of Music, Sofia; currently his works include: another ballet, 8 symphonies, 9 concertos for various instruments, 5 pieces for symphony orchestra, chamber and extensive vocal and instrumental works.
His carrier as a conductor is not less impressive. He started conducting the Russe Philharmonic Orchestra, then the Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, Bilkent Symphony Orchestra – Ankara, Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra. Emil Tabakov has conducted orchestras and opera productions in Germany, England, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, France, Italy, Russia, Iceland, Romania, Austria, Switzerland, the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Brazil, Israel, the Netherlands, South Africa, etc. He has recorded more than 250 symphonic and operatic works (one of the first CDs released by Gega New features Stravinsky’s “Firebird” and Tabakov’s Concerto for Orchestra performed by Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by him – GD 102).
Tim Hugh, soloist of the Concerto for Violoncello is a laureate of the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow and is Principal Cellist with the London Symphony Orchestra. He has played as soloist in the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Holland, Portugal, Turkey, Bulgaria, the USA...
The Bilkent Symphony Orchestra has a very interesting history. It was founded in 1993 and is the first private international orchestra in Turkey. It is composed of musicians from Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey and from 12 other countries. The orchestra has worked with many renowned soloists and conductors and Emil Tabakov was Music Director of the orchestra in 2002-2008.