Emil Tabakov, Music Director

Emil Tabakov graduated from the Bulgarian State Music Academy with honors in Conducting (1974) and Composition (1978). He worked as the Music Director of the Russe Philharmonic Orchestra (1976) and Music Director and Conductor of the Sofia Soloists Chamber Orchestra (1979-1987). Tabakov was the Principal Conductor and Music Director of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra (1987); the Artistic Director – Principal Conductor of the Sofia and the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestras from 1994 until 1999.

In 1997 Emil Tabakov was appointed as the Minister of Culture of the new Bulgarian Government by the President. During the crisis period after the fall of socialism, Minister Tabakov helped pass laws aiming to preserve the countries cultural inheritance. Fine Arts Faculties, Theaters, Operas and other artistic groups continue their activities due to his insistent efforts during his Ministry.

Emil Tabakov's vast repertoire presents a variety of styles from classical to romantic and with an emphasis on contemporary genres. Following the productions of Faust and Norma Operas in Italy , he has become one of the most sought after conductors with his performances of the Yevgeni Onyegin Opera. Tabakov has recorded; a 15 CD set of the complete Symphonies by Mahler, all of Brahms's orchestral works including the overtures and the Requiem and all the Scriabin Symphonies. Having toured with orchestras such as Orchestre National de France, Orchestre Metropolitana de Lisboa and Westfallen New Philharmonic Orchestra, Tabakov guest conducts prestigious European orchestras along with those in USA and Japan .

Wednesday, February 18 / Tokyo University Hall , Japan
Emil Tabakov, conductor
Gülsin Onay, piano
P.I.Tchaikovsky / Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23
S.Rachmaninov / Symphony No.2 in E minor, Op.27

Thursday, February 19 / Tokyo Shibuya Hall , Japan
Emil Tabakov, conductor
Gülsin Onay, piano
A.A.Saygun / Piano Concerto No.1, Op.34
D.Shostakovich / Symphony No.10, Op.93