Plamena Mangova is a Bulgarian classical pianist who has gained international recognition for her virtuosic performances and musical sensitivity. Born on October 24, 1980, in Pleven, Bulgaria, Mangova began playing the piano at the age of six and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She studied at the National School of Music in Sofia and later at the Paris Conservatory, where she received her diploma with honors. Mangova's career as a concert pianist began in earnest in 2007, when she won first prize at the Cleveland International Piano Competition. This prestigious award brought her to the attention of the classical music world and led to numerous invitations to perform with major orchestras and at major festivals around the world. Since then, Mangova has established herself as one of the leading pianists of her generation, known for her technical brilliance, musical sensitivity, and deep understanding of the repertoire. She has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestre National de France, the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. Mangova's repertoire is wide-ranging and includes works by many of the great composers of the classical and romantic periods, as well as contemporary composers. She is particularly known for her interpretations of the music of Chopin, Schumann, and Rachmaninoff, and has recorded several critically acclaimed albums of their works. One of Mangova's most memorable performances was her debut at the BBC Proms in 2011, where she performed Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and technical brilliance, and helped to cement Mangova's reputation as one of the most exciting pianists of her generation. In addition to her performances as a soloist, Mangova is also an active chamber musician and has collaborated with many of the world's leading musicians, including violinist Maxim Vengerov and cellist Gautier Capuçon. She is a regular guest at major chamber music festivals around the world, including the Verbier Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Mangova's many awards and honors include the Young Musician of the Year award from the Bulgarian National Radio in 1995, the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship in 2002, and the Prix du Piano from the Fondation Cziffra in 2006. She has also been a finalist in several other major international piano competitions, including the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite her many accomplishments, Mangova remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to practice for several hours a day and is always seeking to deepen her understanding of the music she plays. Her passion for music and her commitment to excellence have made her one of the most respected and admired pianists of her generation, and she is sure to continue to inspire audiences around the world for many years to come.

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