Yoanna Prodanova is a Bulgarian cellist who has established herself as one of the most promising young musicians of her generation. Born on May 5, 1994, in Sofia, Bulgaria, Yoanna began playing the cello at the age of six. Her parents, both professional musicians, recognized her talent early on and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Yoanna's early musical education was at the National School of Music "Lyubomir Pipkov" in Sofia, where she studied with Professor Anatoli Krastev. She quickly distinguished herself as a gifted cellist, winning numerous competitions and awards, including first prize at the National Competition for Young Musicians "Svetoslav Obretenov" in 2005 and 2007. In 2008, Yoanna was accepted into the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she studied with renowned cellist Peter Wiley. During her time at Curtis, Yoanna continued to excel, winning the school's Concerto Competition in 2011 and performing as a soloist with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra. After graduating from Curtis in 2012, Yoanna went on to pursue a Master's degree at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she studied with Paul Katz. While at NEC, Yoanna was a member of the school's prestigious Chamber Music Honors Program and was awarded the school's prestigious Tourjée Alumni Award. Since completing her studies, Yoanna has established herself as a sought-after soloist and chamber musician, performing throughout the United States and Europe. She has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Pops Orchestra. In addition to her solo work, Yoanna is also an active chamber musician, performing regularly with the Boston-based chamber ensemble Mistral Music. She has also collaborated with many other notable musicians, including pianist Menahem Pressler and violinist Miriam Fried. Yoanna's performances have been praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. The Boston Globe has called her playing "exquisite" and "soulful," while the Philadelphia Inquirer has described her as "a cellist of uncommon sensitivity and depth." In addition to her performing career, Yoanna is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, and has given masterclasses at institutions throughout the United States and Europe. Throughout her career, Yoanna has received numerous awards and honors. In 2013, she was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who show exceptional talent and promise for the future. She was also a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Arts Award, which provides financial support to exceptional young artists. Yoanna's recordings have also received critical acclaim. Her debut album, "Bach: The Six Suites for Solo Cello," was released in 2017 and was praised by Gramophone magazine for its "impeccable technique and musicality." Her second album, "Brahms: Cello Sonatas," was released in 2019 and was similarly well-received. In addition to her performing and teaching work, Yoanna is also a passionate advocate for social justice and environmental causes. She has performed benefit concerts for organizations such as the ACLU and the Sierra Club, and has spoken out about the importance of using music as a tool for social change.

More....