Where did you grow up?  Sofia, Bulgaria.

Where do you currently live?  Melrose, MA.

What instrument do you play?  Violin

Educational Background:  After graduating the National School of Music “L. Pipkov”, I came to the US to further my studies – first at LSU School of Music, where I received my BM, followed by completing a MM degree in BU College of Fine Arts.

How did you get started in music?  Everyone in my family is in some way involved with music, either professionally or part time. I don’t think there was an option for me not to be a musician. I started violin at 7, some piano and singing later on, though I haven’t been able to do much of the last two in recent years.

Non-PSO musical activities: Currently, I perform as a member of the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and Simon Sinfonietta. I can also be heard frequently in performances of Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Handel and Haydn Society as well as various ensembles in the New England area.

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would be your dream job? I would really enjoy being an interior designer, makeup artist or even a carpenter.

Any non-musical hobbies? I enjoy being outdoors and working out, so I spend most of my free time going for long walks, running, biking, if I have more time hiking, or simply spending a quiet evening at home if I need to relax.

What is your favorite music? What are you currently listening to? I don’t have favourites, not just in music-in anything; When it comes to music I like a variety of styles and genres, and I always look for something new (or something old I haven’t discovered yet) so it’s really difficult to pick just a few.

Who or what has been your greatest influence, musical or otherwise?Again, hard to choose…Anyone and anything that makes an impression on me is an influence; any personal influence becomes a musical influence and vice versa.