THEODOSII SPASSOV (1961) as a kaval performer has over the years developed his own musical style based on the folk idiom. He reached the level of instrumental virtuoso after his studies at the Philip Kutev Music School in Kotel and the Academy of Music and Dance Art in Plovdiv. In the 1980s, his collaboration with jazz formations, his participation in jazz forums, the implementation of original synthetic styles emerged. Recently, he has composed film and theatre music and works for symphony orchestra and kaval. Over 38 CDs of his solo performances and with various musical ensembles have been released.
His collaboration with a number of musicians and ensembles, including the musical ensembles of the Bulgarian National Radio, the “Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices” Choir, the “Philip Kutev” Ensemble, Ivo Papazov, Georgi Yanev, Petar Ralchev, Milcho Leviev, Yildiz Ibrahimova, is successful and vivid, Simeon Shterev, Veselin Nikolov, Petar Petrov, Anatoly Vapirov, “Acoustic Version”, the band of Indian percussionist Trilok Gurtu, Rabi-Abu Khalil, Glen Velez, Dave Liebman, Glen Moore, Mino Cinelu, Paul McKendlez, Billy Cobham, Mark Johnson, Kazumi Watanabe, Bruce Dickinson. He has been performing in the world famous Irish musical dance show “Riverdance” for three years. Together with conductor Kristian Jarvi, guitarists Vlatko Stefanovski and Miroslav Tadic he realized the project “Balkan Fever”, presented together with the London Symphony Orchestra, Monaco Philharmonic Orchestra, MDR Orchestra Leipzig, Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1995, Newsweek magazine praised his mastery and noted his contribution to the creation of a new musical genre.
In addition to his concert appearances, he has participated in movie scores and stage performances. He has worked with such names as Ennio Morricone and Carlo Selioto. He has been awarded many honours and prizes, including the International Academy of Arts in Paris (1996), Musician of the Year (1997 and 2002), the Apollo Toxophoros statuette for his long-standing presence in Bulgarian musical life and his success on world stages (2001), the National Film Centre’s Film Music Award (2007 and 2016), and the Dobri Chintulov Award for Contribution to Bulgarian Culture (2009). In 2011 he was awarded the highest distinction of the Ministry of Culture “Golden Century” for his overall contribution to the development and popularization of Bulgarian culture and traditional folklore, in 2013 he was awarded the Order of Cyril and Methodius – First Degree with Necklace for his outstanding contribution to Bulgarian culture, in 2014 he was awarded the honorary title “Doctor Honoris Causa” of the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts in Plovdiv, in 2015 more awards followed: “Golden Quill” from Classic FM and Macta Gallery for outstanding contribution to Bulgarian culture and art, “UNESCO Artist for Peace”, “Crystal Lyre” Award from the Union of Bulgarian Music and Dance Artists, in 2018 he received the “Maestro Dimitar Valchev” Award for Theatre Music, in 2021 – “Sofia Award” for outstanding contribution to the art of music and cinema and “Askeer” Theatre Award for Music, in 2022 receives “Ikar” of the Union of Bulgarian Artists in the category “Contemporary Bulgarian Music”.