Svet Stoyanov

Praised by The New York Times for his “understated but unmistakable virtuosity”, Bulgarian-born percussionist Svet Stoyanov is a winner of the 2003 Concert Artists Guild International Competition. He captivates audiences with his dynamic concerto performances, his riveting recital presentations and the elegance of his chamber music collaborations.

Featured on the cover of SYMPHONY Magazine’s annual “Emerging Artists” issue (January 2006), Mr. Stoyanov returns to Carnegie Hall in 2007-08 for a performance of Phillip Glass’ Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra with the New York Youth Symphony (and fellow timpanist James Dietz). He has also performed this work with timpanist Jonathan Haas and the following orchestras: the Chicago Symphony led by James Conlon at the Ravinia Festival; the American Symphony Orchestra and Leon Botstein (world premiere) at Avery Fisher Hall (Lincoln Center debut); the Seattle Symphony with music director Gerard Schwarz; and the New York Pops with Skitch Henderson at Carnegie Hall and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. In fall 2006, Mr. Stoyanov was engaged for a week-long educational residency and concerto performance with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, where his performance of the Schwantner Percussion Concerto was hailed as “spectacular” (The Capital).

Recent percussion recitals include the NYC Downtown River to River Festival’s “Summer Stars” series in both 2005 and 2006 (the latter with violinist Joseph Lin), a collaboration with CAG pianist Jade Simmons on the CAG/New Works Series at the Thalia at Symphony Space, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, California’s Jose Iturbi Gold Medal Series and a duo program with Mr. Lin for the Arizona Friends of Chamber Music. Other musical collaborations include projects with Oliver Knussen, Elliott Carter, Robert van Sice, Leon Fleisher, John Adams and Donald Sutherland.
Mr. Stoyanov was invited to perform as part of a select group called the Zankel Band, for the opening of Carnegie Hall’s newest space, Zankel Hall. He has also appeared at Carnegie Hall in Pierre Boulez’s Le Marteau sans maître with the composer conducting and the Professional Training Workshop Reich on Reich: Steve Reich @ 70.

Svet Stoyanov earned his Bachelor’s degree from the Peabody Institute and his Master’s degree from the Yale School of Music, studying with contemporary music virtuoso Robert van Sice. Currently Svet Stoyanov is on the faculty at the Peabody Conservatory. He is an endorser of Vic Firth percussion products.

Mr. Stoyanov’s debut CD “Percussive Counterpoint” is currently being released on Concert Artists Guild Records. It features a transcription of Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint for pre-recorded tracks, marimba and vibraphone, with the composer’s approval and a video performance of Thierry de Mey’s Musique de tables (Enhanced CD feature).