Birth

:

1975 in Varna, Bulgaria

Period

:

Baroque

 

Plamena Nikitassova is a Bulgarian-born violinist who has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of classical music. She was born in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1983 and began playing the violin at the age of five. Her parents were both musicians, and her father was a violinist in the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra. Nikitassova grew up in a musical household and was exposed to a wide range of classical music from an early age. Nikitassova's talent as a violinist was evident from a young age, and she began performing in public at the age of six. She studied at the National School of Music in Sofia, where she received a rigorous classical training. She also participated in numerous competitions and won several awards, including first prize in the National Competition for Young Musicians in Bulgaria. In 2001, Nikitassova moved to Vienna, Austria to continue her studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts. She studied with renowned violinists such as Gerhard Schulz and Rainer Kuechl, and also took masterclasses with prominent musicians such as Maxim Vengerov and Ivry Gitlis. During her time in Vienna, Nikitassova also performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician, and was a member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. After completing her studies in Vienna, Nikitassova moved to London, where she continued to pursue her career as a soloist and chamber musician. She has performed with numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the London Mozart Players. She has also collaborated with many prominent musicians, including pianist Imogen Cooper and cellist Steven Isserlis. Nikitassova is known for her virtuosic playing and her ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music she performs. She has a particular affinity for the music of J.S. Bach, and has performed his works extensively throughout her career. She has also championed the music of lesser-known composers, such as the Bulgarian composer Pancho Vladigerov. In addition to her performing career, Nikitassova is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the Royal College of Music in London, and has given masterclasses at institutions around the world. She is passionate about passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians. Nikitassova has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2006, she was awarded the prestigious Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship, which recognizes outstanding young musicians. She was also a finalist in the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition in 2004, and was awarded the Audience Prize at the International Bach Competition in Leipzig in 2010. Nikitassova's performances have been praised by critics and audiences alike. The Guardian described her playing as "dazzling," while The Times called her "a violinist of rare distinction." She has also been praised for her ability to connect with audiences and bring them into the world of the music she is performing. In recent years, Nikitassova has focused on exploring the connections between different musical traditions. She has collaborated with musicians from a variety of backgrounds, including Indian classical music and jazz. She has also explored the connections between classical music and folk music, and has performed traditional Bulgarian music alongside her classical repertoire.

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