Conductor
Julia Uzunova was born in 1993 in the town of Smolyan, Bulgaria. She graduated with flying colours a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education Pedagogy and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts “Prof. Asen Diamandiev” – Plovdiv, under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. V. Geleva. In 2022, she further enriched her qualifications with two specializations – Piano Accompaniment and Classical Singing. She is currently a PhD student in Choral Conducting at the same institution.
Since 2017, she has been a part of the team of the “Detska Kitka” Choir at MCC – Plovdiv, working as choirmaster for all ensembles and conductor – first of the preparatory group and later of the trainee ensemble.
Since 2013, Julia has sung as a soprano in the Academic Mixed Choir “Gaudeamus”, taking part in numerous concerts and tours both in Bulgaria and abroad.
In 2023, she founded and began conducting the Plovdiv Youth Choir “oTEPETo”, part of Art Center “Alejandro”.
Julia Uzunova is the recipient of numerous awards, including:
“Chetinyan” Award (2024)
Best Young Teacher of Plovdiv (2020)
“Young Conductor” Award at the 2nd Children’s Song Festival “Let’s Sing Together” – Svilengrad (2019)
First Prize in the 10th National “Student of the Year” Awards – Pedagogical Sciences category (2016)
“Prof. Asen Diamandiev” Academic Award (2015 and 2016)
First Prize at the 4th Student Conducting Competition “Golden Baton” – Shumen (2016)
She actively participates in numerous masterclasses in choral conducting and vocal art and follows global trends in choral practice with great interest. In 2023, she attended the World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul, Turkey.
Julia is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian Choral Union and was one of the key organizers of EuroChoir 2024, held in Bulgaria.
She is deeply passionate about the psychology of the rehearsal process and how it can be transformed into a joyful, energizing experience with meaningful and inspiring results.
Pianist
Martin Daskalov is a Bulgarian pianist and répétiteur, born in 1996 in the city of Dobrich. He graduated from the National School of Arts “Dobri Hristov” in Varna, and later earned a degree in Piano Performance at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts – Plovdiv, studying under Prof. Roxana Bogdanova. He further enriched his musical education with a two-year program at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.
Martin’s performance journey has been marked by numerous awards from national and international competitions, beginning in early childhood and continuing into his professional career. Among his notable achievements are a First Prize and Grand Prix nomination at the Heirs of Orpheus competition, as well as distinctions from contests such as Franz Schubert, “Hopes, Talents, Masters”, “Mila Mihaylova”, and many others.
He has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Varna Philharmonic, the Plovdiv Philharmonic, and the Vratsa State Symphony Orchestra.
His professional career includes three years as a répétiteur at the State Opera – Plovdiv (2021–2024). Since December 2024, he has served as a répétiteur for the “Detska Kitka” Choir in Plovdiv.
Martin has also taken part in masterclasses led by internationally acclaimed musicians such as Evgeni Bozhanov, Prof. Yuri Slesarev, and Plamena Mangova.
He has worked alongside some of the most prominent conductors on Bulgaria’s contemporary music scene, including Diyan Chobanov, Dragomir Yossifov, Emil Tabakov, Konstantin Dobroikov, Zlatina Deliradeva, Yana Deliradeva, and others. These collaborations reflect his versatility across musical styles and his reliability as a stage partner.
Martin Daskalov is committed to continuously developing his technical mastery and stage presence with dedication and deep respect for music. He approaches every piece with sensitivity and attention to detail, always striving to uncover depth and meaning in each performance.
Choirmaster
Plamena Voinova was born in Gabrovo, Bulgaria. She spent ten years singing in the “Detska Kitka” choir.
In 2018, she participated in a classical singing masterclass in the village of Shiroka Luka, led by Assoc. Prof. Liliya Ilieva.
In 2022, she graduated with distinction from the Ivan Vazov Foreign Language High School. That same year, she began her studies in Music Education Pedagogy with a focus on Pop and Jazz Singing at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts “Prof. Asen Diamandiev” – Plovdiv. Since 2024, she has been specializing in Solfege Methodology and Pop and Jazz Singing Methodology at the same institution.
In 2024, Plamena was selected to take part in EuroChoir, held in Bulgaria and organized by the European Choral Association in collaboration with the Bulgarian Choral Union.
Director
Vladimir Petkov founded the Art Center “Alejandro” in 2010. Today the center offers dance, music, and creative courses for children, youth, and adults.
Under his leadership it has developed into a multi-genre space combining salsa, hip-hop, folk dances, rhythmic gymnastics, yoga, applied arts, as well as individual and group lessons in instruments, solfège, and singing. He has successfully established a sustainable cultural organization with participation in dozens of public events.
A guiding principle in Petkov’s work is ensuring access to art for everyone, including through free events, open lessons, and collaborations with schools and kindergartens.
He works with youth and social organizations such as the Youth Center – Plovdiv and the LCPJD – Hisarya. He uses culture as a tool for social integration and personal development among young people. Part of his ideas and efforts are also directed toward the creation of a youth choir as a form of artistic unity and expression.
In addition to being an administrator and organizer Vladimir Petkov is also a dance instructor in Latin styles including salsa and personally leads courses and workshops.
He promotes artistic expression and freedom through dance and movement.