Neli Nikolaeva is a Bulgarian classical pianist who has gained international recognition for her exceptional talent and musicality. Born on May 5, 1987, in Sofia, Bulgaria, Neli showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Her parents, both music lovers, recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Neli's early musical education was at the National School of Music "Lyubomir Pipkov" in Sofia, where she studied with renowned Bulgarian pianist and pedagogue, Prof. Stella Dimitrova. Under her guidance, Neli developed a strong foundation in piano technique and musicianship, and won several national and international competitions, including the "Young Virtuosos" competition in Sofia. In 2005, Neli was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she continued her studies with Prof. Christopher Elton. During her time at the Academy, Neli won several awards, including the Harold Craxton Prize for Accompaniment and the Christian Carpenter Prize for Chamber Music. She also performed in numerous concerts and recitals, both as a soloist and as a chamber musician. After completing her studies at the Royal Academy of Music, Neli continued her education at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich, Germany, where she studied with Prof. Michael Schäfer. During her time in Munich, Neli won the prestigious "Prix d'Amadeo de Piano" at the International Piano Competition in Aix-en-Provence, France, and was a finalist in the International Piano Competition in Santander, Spain. Neli's career as a concert pianist has taken her to some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Wigmore Hall and the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Konzerthaus in Berlin, the Salle Cortot in Paris, and the Carnegie Hall in New York. She has also performed with many leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Munich Chamber Orchestra, and the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra. Neli's repertoire is wide-ranging and includes works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and many other composers. She is particularly known for her interpretations of the music of Bulgarian composer Pancho Vladigerov, and has recorded several of his works for the Bulgarian National Radio. In addition to her performing career, Neli is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich, the Royal Academy of Music in London, and the National School of Music "Lyubomir Pipkov" in Sofia. She is passionate about passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians and helping them to develop their own musical voices. Neli has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including the "Young Musician of the Year" award from the Bulgarian National Radio, the "Musician of the Year" award from the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture, and the "Bulgarian Cultural Heritage" award from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. She is also a recipient of the prestigious "Borislav Slavov" award, which is given to outstanding Bulgarian musicians. In conclusion, Neli Nikolaeva is a highly accomplished and respected classical pianist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music.

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