Mihail Pekov

Mihail Pekov (1941–2022) graduated from the National Academy of Music in 1967 majoring in Composition under Professor Vesselin Stoyanov. He specialised in Saint Petersburg with Professor Salmanov (1970-71) and with Professor E. Petrovich in Budapest (1978-79). He worked at the Sofia Philharmonic (1967-72) and at the Music State Agency (1972-74). In 1974, he joined the staff of the State Academy of Music teaching Harmony and Composition. He was promoted full professor in 1993. He composed an opera; Stabat Mater for choir and orchestra; a number of symphonies (of which 10 were performed) and other works for symphony, chamber and string orchestra; 16 string quartets, 4 piano trios, 4 violoncello sonatas, etc. An original combination of harmony and composition techniques belonging to various styles and genres is characteristic of his work. His orchestral and chamber works were included in the repertoire of several Bulgarian performers. His Concerto for two violins and string orchestra is one of the most frequently performed contemporary works. His works were performed and acclaimed in Hungary, Russia, Rumania, Greece, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy and other countries. In 1989, he won the Sofia Prize for Music (1989).