Emil Tabakov

Emil Tabakov (b Ruse, 21 Aug 1947). Bulgarian composer and conductor. He graduated in 1978 from the Bulgarian State Academy of Music having studied three subjects: double bass (under Todor Toshev), conducting (under Vladi Simeonov) and composition (under Marin Goleminov).

In 1977 though, he had won the Nikolay Malko competition in Copenhagen and he had been conducting the Ruse SO since the age of 17. He conducted the Ruse Philharmonic (1975–9) before directing the Soloists of Sofia ensemble with whom he appeared internationally (1980–89). He was appointed conductor of the Sofia Philharmonic in 1985 and was made its general music director three years later. With this orchestra and as guest conductor with others he has performed all over the world; he has enjoyed particular associations with orchestras in Brazil, California, Germany, Japan and South Korea. Under his baton the Sofia Philharmonic recorded a large amount of the Romantic repertory. From his earliest days as a composer, he has shown an affinity for large-scale works and during the 1980s and 90s this disposition gave rise to monumental compositions such as the Requiem and his four symphonies. But despite this complex and philosophical approach he has always paid attention to orchestral colour and to the delicate use of timbral nuance, especially in his concertante works. During the 1990s his harmonic palette was broadened by an awakened interest in Bulgarian folklore; the resultant language is notable for its laconic bareness and rich pictorial allusion.