She has given solo concerts at the most prestigious venues in Paris. Over the years she has worked with the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra, with different opera and chamber formations. But the most exciting part of her career has been her work with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Europe where she started in 1989. With this orchestra she has been able to perform an interesting array of works together with conductors Jean-Claude Casadesus, Patrick Fournier and other foremost names. In the period from 1990 until 1992 she specialized chamber music at the Paris Conservatoire, which she graduated with honours.

Ventislava was only five when she made her first steps in music. She graduated the Panayot Pipkov music school in her home town of Pleven and then went on to study at the National Music Academy with Prof. Vladimir Avramov and later Prof. Boyan Lechev. She is a laureate of prestigious international competitions. Since 1994 she has been living in Cannes where she lectures at the Conservatoire and is artistic director of a competition for string instruments. As a musician and pedagogue she has a taste for modern music.

Ventsislava Shoikova was born to a family of musicians. Her father Bozhko Shoikov was for many years headmaster of the Panayot Pipkov National Art School in Pleven. It was thanks to his efforts that in the 1960’s, a marvelous school concert hall was built that today bears his name. “My father dedicated his life to his work as a musician and pedagogue, and was a role model for us, his students,” says Ventsislava and adds:

“A concert was organized in Pleven ten years ago in his memory. That was when I quoted his words about “roots and wings”. He would say that it is important for an artist to remember his roots that will give him strength and permanence throughout life. And to fly on the wings of youth and inspiration. That is exactly what happened to me – I “flew” thousands of kilometers away. But I have never severed my roots. I have constantly been bringing music institutions in France and Bulgaria in contact. I have now turned my efforts to Sofia’s preparations for European capital of culture, 2019. It was a great honour for me to accept the post of president of the Maison de l’Europe 06 (Alpes Maritimes) – an organization uniting 36 foundations and associations under the umbrella of the European Parliament in Brussels. Of course I have been receiving offers connected with Bulgarian art. First and foremost I would like to mention the centennial birth anniversary celebrations of Bulgarian basso Boris Christoff. I have also been working for Bulgaria’s young talents. We now have a French-Bulgarian project involving the art schools in Sofia, Pleven, Bourgas and Plovdiv.”

Which of the things Ventsislava has learnt in Bulgaria have proved useful to her as a pedagogue?

“The Bulgarian teaching methods are well-known and recognized in the world. For a long time they were heavily influenced by the Soviet school though there are some important differences, first among them is the bond between education and Bulgarian folklore. My Bulgarian tutors taught me patience in the mastery of the profession, as well as power of observation and imbued me with a restless spirit. The professors at the academy were constantly telling us to keep up our search for the boundaries of our abilities and then to develop them throughout our lives. That is the only way to keep our commitment to excellence alive.”

English version Milena Daynova

The audio file contains the following works:

-  Live recording, International Sofia Music Weeks, 2014 festival, Introduction from Italian Suite by Igor Stravinsky, performed by Ventsislava Shoikova, piano Borislava Taneva;

-  Suite Concertato by Bulgarian composer Georgi Arnaudov;

-  Pastoral, Suite in the old style by Alfred Schnittke;

-  Live recording, International Sofia Music Weeks, 2014 festival, Minuet from Suite in the old style by Alfred Schnittke performed by Ventsislava Shoikova, piano Borislava Taneva.