Velin Iliev is a Bulgarian classical pianist who has gained international recognition for his virtuosic performances and musical interpretations. Born on May 5, 1985, in Sofia, Bulgaria, Iliev showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. His parents, both musicians, recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Iliev's early musical education was at the National School of Music "Lyubomir Pipkov" in Sofia, where he studied with renowned Bulgarian pianist and pedagogue Stella Dimitrova. He continued his studies at the National Academy of Music "Pancho Vladigerov" in Sofia, where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Piano Performance under the guidance of Professor Milena Mollova. During his studies, Iliev participated in numerous national and international competitions, winning top prizes in several of them. In 2005, he won first prize at the International Piano Competition "Young Virtuosos" in Sofia, and in 2007, he was awarded first prize at the International Piano Competition "Citta di Barletta" in Italy. These early successes paved the way for Iliev's career as a concert pianist. After completing his studies in Bulgaria, Iliev continued his education at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln in Germany, where he studied with Professor Pavel Gililov. He also received guidance from other renowned pianists, including Dmitri Bashkirov, Menahem Pressler, and András Schiff. Iliev's career as a concert pianist began to take off in the early 2010s, when he started performing in major concert halls and festivals around the world. He has performed in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, collaborating with leading orchestras and conductors. Some of his most notable performances include his debut with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra in 2011, his performance at the International Piano Festival in Miami in 2013, and his recital at the Chopin Society in London in 2015. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Iliev is also an active chamber musician, collaborating with other musicians in various ensembles. He has performed with the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Cologne Chamber Orchestra, and the Sofia Soloists Chamber Orchestra, among others. Iliev's repertoire is diverse, ranging from Baroque to contemporary music. He has a particular affinity for the music of Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff, and has recorded several albums featuring their works. His recordings have received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising his technical prowess and musical sensitivity. Throughout his career, Iliev has received numerous awards and honors for his musical achievements. In 2010, he was awarded the "Young Musician of the Year" prize by the Bulgarian National Radio. In 2012, he received the "Musician of the Year" award from the Union of Bulgarian Musicians and Dancers. In 2016, he was awarded the "Crystal Lyre" prize by the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture for his contribution to Bulgarian music. Despite his success, Iliev remains committed to his musical education and continues to study with renowned pianists and pedagogues. He is also dedicated to promoting classical music and inspiring young musicians through his teaching and masterclasses. In conclusion, Velin Iliev is a talented and accomplished classical pianist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music.

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