Maestro Dian Chobanov has been the Chief Music Director of the Plovdiv State Opera since the 2013/2014 season, and since 2024 he has also been the director of the opera.
He graduated with a master’s degree from the State Academy of Music in Sofia and the University of Arts and Music in Vienna under Prof. Uros Lajovic. His conducting style is influenced by Sir Colin Davis, Fabio Luisi and Ivan Fischer. In 2021 he received the scientific degree “Doctor” in the field of arts.
Maestro Čobanov is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Second and Special Prizes at the Lovro von Matačić International Conducting Competition in Zagreb (2003), the Special Prize at the Austro-Hungarian Conducting Competition in Budapest (1998), and the Plovdiv Prize in 2014, the highest honor in the field of arts in his hometown.
His professional career includes roles as Resident Conductor of the Croatian National Opera (2009–2022), Principal Conductor of the Croatian Chamber Orchestra (2012–2014), First Conductor of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra (2004–2010), and Principal Conductor of the State Opera in Stara Zagora (2007–2012). He was also the resident conductor of the Vienna Schloss Schönbrunn Orchestra (2004–2012).
Since 2023, Maestro Chobanov has been a guest lecturer in conducting at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts “Prof. Asen Diamandiev” in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He has also taught conducting at East China Normal University (2010–2015).
His extensive repertoire portfolio includes symphonic, cantata-oratorio, opera, operetta, ballet and chamber music.