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updated: 15/11/2024
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Performer Information

Symphony Orchestra of Bulgaria

Orchestra

The Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra – SIF309, founded by Prof. Victor Chouchkov and managed by Borislav Chouchkov, Elena Chouchkova, and Viktor Chouchkov Jr., is internationally recognised as a leading production service company for original film music recordings. Since its first recordings in 1992 with Carlo Siliotto and Ennio Morricone, SIF309 has grown to become a trusted partner in over 800 music productions worldwide, working with renowned composers, conductors, and film production companies.

The orchestra was established to excel in recording original film music, as well as classical, contemporary, and pop music projects. Drawing from the finest musicians in Bulgaria, it offers a level of artistry that attracts a long list of esteemed composers, including Iannis Xenakis, Luis Bakalov, Ennio Morricone, Pino Donaggio, Nicola Piovani, Patrick Doyle, Wolfgang Rihm, and Federico Jusid. Many of these composers have returned repeatedly to work with SIF309, a testament to the orchestra’s excellence. Notable collaborations include world premieres and iconic scores for composers such as John Cage, Jani Christou, George Crumb, and Stelvio Cipriani.

SIF309 has been involved in projects for major international clients, including Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music, Yamaha Music, EMI Music France, DECCA, and Air-Edel, among others. Additionally, it has recorded scores for motion pictures directed by world-renowned filmmakers such as Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, Radu Mihaileanu, Volker Schlöndorff, Dario Argento, Margarete von Trotta, Fatih Akin, and Christophe Barratier.

The orchestra’s versatility extends to collaborations on albums by artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Pink, Sylvie Vartan, Sarah Blasko, Richard Clayderman, Kirsty Bertarelli, Pete Murray, and David Garrett. It is equally adept at delivering powerful performances for blockbuster films and deeply artistic productions.

In 2001, Borislav and Viktor Chouchkov Jr. established Chouchkov Brothers, a company focused on developing and producing fiction and documentary films, TV series, and music videos. Their feature film TILT achieved critical and commercial success, winning 14 awards at 40 festivals, including Best Debut at the Raindance International Film Festival (London) and Best Editing at the Woodstock International Film Festival (USA). It also represented Bulgaria as its Oscar entry in 2012 and was a box-office leader for four consecutive weeks.

SIF309’s ability to bring together exceptional musicianship, technical expertise, and visionary leadership has firmly positioned it as a leader in the global music and film industries. With its reputation for excellence, the orchestra continues to elevate the art of music recording for both large-scale cinematic projects and intimate musical collaborations.

Source: Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra – SIF309

Performances
#
1
March 21, 1998
Bulgaria Concert Hall
Sofia
Bulgaria
N/A
Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra
Alkis Panayotopoulos (conductor)
Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra
Concerto for Orchestra
Works
#
Work Page
1
YSC99
Ballade

Simphonic Fantasy for Large Orchestra

56

4334-4331, Harp, Timpani, Percussion (Xylophone, Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Triangle, Tam-Tam, Cymbals, Clapper), Strings

2
YSC86
Mellichomeide

for Soprano and eleven instruments. Text in poems by Sappho and a dedication to Sappho by Alcaeus.

44

Piccolo, Alto Flute in G, Oboe, Cor Anglais, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Mandolin, Guitar, Harp, Violin, Cello, Soprano.

3
YSC78
Paysages

for percussion and orchestra

36

2222-4231, Solo Percussion I (Timpani, Tubular Bells, Marimba, Xylophone, Tam-Tam, Snare Drum, 3 Suspended Cymbals, 5 Temple Blocks, 2 Woodblocks, Cymbals, Tambourine), Solo Percussion II (Timpani, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, 3 Gongs, 2 Bongos, 2 Timbales, 2 Congas, Triangle, Maracas, Claves), Percussion (Cymbals, Small Suspended Cymbal, Bass Drum), Strings

4
YSC46
Concerto for Orchestra
12

2222-4331, Timpani, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Triangle, Strings

Discography
#
Album Page
1
Yorgo Sicilianos - Concerto, Ballade, Mellichomeide
Alkis Panayotopoulos, Anna Todorova, Symphony Orchestra of Bulgaria
Ballade Simphonic Fantasy for Large Orchestra Op. 56, Concerto for Orchestra Op. 12, Mellichomeide for Soprano and eleven instruments. Text in poems by Sappho and a dedication to Sappho by Alcaeus Op. 44
Compact Disc
Agorá Musica
1999
2
Works for Orchestra by Greek Composers
Alkis Panayotopoulos, Symphony Orchestra of Bulgaria
Paysages for percussion and orchestra Op. 36
Compact Disc
Lyra
2004
References
  1. Yorgo Sicilianos - Concerto, Ballade, Mellichomeide, performed by Anna Ivanòva, conducted by Alkis Panayotopoulos with the Symphony Orchestra of Bulgaria. Agorá Musica, 1999, Compact Disc, 61:14. Catalogue No.: AG 179.1.
  2. “Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra – SIF309: The Orchestra.” SIF309 Official Website, accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.sif309.com/sif309/the-orchestra.html.
  3. Valia Christopoulou, Yorgos Sicilianos Catalogue of Works [Κατάλογος Έργων Γιώργου Σισιλιάνου] (Athens: Panas Music Papagrigoriou - Nakas, 2011) , 41, 99, 117, 140
  4. “Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra.” Discogs, accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.discogs.com/artist/355726-Bulgarian-Symphony-Orchestra.
  5. Francis Guy, Yorgos Sicilianos - diapason a dialogue with Francis Guy [Γιωργος Σισιλιανος - διαπασων ενας διαλογος με τον Φρανσις Γκαϋ] (Cyprus: Cyprus Wine Museum, 2009) , 52, 132, 143-148
  6. Works for Orchestra by Greek Composers, performed by the Symphony Orchestra of Bulgaria, conducted by Alkis Panayotopoulos, with Antonin Breska and Stojan Pavlov (percussion). Lyra, 2004, Compact Disc, 50:42. Catalogue No.: CD 1042.
  7. Anastasios Rupert Arthur Mavroudis, Sicilianos, The Greek Modernist: Performing Selected Chamber Works and Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 51 (Athens: Benaki Museum, 2020) , 280