Foto: Emil Matveev
Music critics describe Ivan Donchev as “refined” (“Qobuz Magazine”, France), “full with temperament” (“Darmstadter Echo”, Germany), “gifted with impeccable technique and remarkable ability to excite” (“Il Cittadino”, Italy). The legendary pianist Aldo Ciccolini defined him as “an artist gifted with extraordinary musical and instrumental skills”.
Ivan Donchev was born in Bulgaria. At the age of twelve, he made his concerto debut with Burgas Philharmonic Orchestra.
He has distinguished himself in international competitions in Bulgaria (“Svetoslav Obretenov” 1994), Ireland (“EMCY”, Dublin, 1996), Romania (“Carl Filtsch”, 1997) and Italy (“Sergio Fiorentino Prize”, 2004 and “Società Umanitaria” Competition in Milan in 2008). Ivan Donchev won the 1st prize at the 2nd International Piano Competition for German and Austrian Music in Burgas. Special prize by the “Chopin Society” in Darmstadt. “Sorrento Classica” prize from the hands of his mentor Aldo Ciccolini.
Ivan Donchev has performed as a soloist in most of the major European cities and has regularly toured in Europe, Asia, USA and Russia. He has performed with the New York Festival Orchestra, Rossini Symphony Orchestra, Marchigiana Philharmonic, Florence Chamber Orchestra, Plovdiv Philharmonic, Taranto Symphony Orchestra, Roma Tre Orchestra, Bari Symphony Orchestra, Zagreb Soloists, Kronstadt, Philharmoniker, Yucatan Symohony, Suedeten Philharmonic, Jeonju Philharmonic, Oradea Philharmonic, Burgas Philharmonic, Pleven Philharmonic, Pazardzhik Symphony Orchestra.
His records are delivered by the labels MUSO, Rai Trade, Sheva Collection, Gega New, Diapason and include broadcasts for RAI 3, Radio France, Radio Classica, BG National Radio and TV. His recordings are highly acclaimed by the media BBC Music Magazin, UK magazine Musical Opinion and praised by critics.
He serves on the piano faculty at “S. Giacomantonio” Conservatory of Music Cosenza. He is invited to act as a jury member in international competitions and regularly gives masterclasses in Asia, US and Europe.
Currently Ivan Donchev is performing the complete set of 32 Beethoven sonatas.