Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Young flute player Mila Tsankova on tour with Concertino Praga laureates

БНР Новини
Photo: library

2014 definitely looks like a good year for flute player Mila Tsankova. The honorary diploma she won at the Concertino Praga international competition has placed her among the most promising young Bulgarian performers of classical music. Not long ago Mila returned from a tour of the laureates of this prestigious competition, organized by the Czech National Radio. She took part in three concerts, performing three pieces of her own choice – by Sergei Prokofiev, Benjamin Goddard and Milko Kolarov.

A few days ago the flute player left for Varna with the youth philharmonic Pioneer. Radio Bulgaria’s Monica Alexandrova talked to Mila Tsankova:

Every time I perform in front of an audience I get stage fright but I try not to let it show. On stage I always do my best. The concerts and the tour of the Czech Republic were a lifetime experience for me. The audience really enjoyed Milko Kolarov’s Scherzo. Taking part in Concertino Praga was Yavor Zhelev’s idea, my teacher. Before I took part in the competition I had no idea it was such a serious contest. I met new people and I hope we shall keep in touch. It was fun meeting people my age who play so well.”

Unfortunately her teacher Yavor Zhelev was unable to accompany Mila on her tour of the Czech Republic, but the young performer was not perturbed and was acclaimed by the audience.

In September Mila Tsankova will be in the 10th form at the Lyubomir Pipkov National Music School, Sofia. “I want to take part in more contests because that is a way to accumulate experience,” says the flute player who was born to a family of architects.

Relatives on my mother’s side were musicians and I probably inherited my talent from them,” Mila says. “First I played the piano, then my mother suggested I continue with the flute. As a matter of fact, my mother was against my doing music because she realized it would mean working hard every day for years with no guarantee of success. I believe we made the right decision.”

Even though she still has three years before she graduates school, Mila is already making plans for the future. She wants to continue her education abroad and has even chosen where – Austria.


The audio file features the following pieces:

-  Fragment of Mila Tsankova’s performance at the concert in Český Krumlov Castle of Scherzo by Milko Kolarov, piano - Vaclav Maha;

-  Sonatina Brasileira by Jaroslav Pelikán, piano Rousslan Pavlov.

English version: Milena Daynova



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Kristian Kostov starts a new chapter with his song "Az Sum Ti"

Although young, Kristian Kostov is already an established performer and songwriter. He made a strong impression during the fourth season of X Factor Bulgaria, reached the grand final, and won a large audience. He then represented Bulgaria at..

published on 3/26/25 6:10 AM

Matilda the Musical based on Roald Dahl's best-seller to be presented in Bulgaria for the first time

One of the undisputed Broadway hits of the last decade - "Matilda" by Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly, based on the famous children's novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, will be staged for the first time in Bulgaria on the stage of the..

published on 3/25/25 3:39 PM

In "Pladney", JazzBoree once again drinks water from the well of Bulgarian folklore

Tradition and modernity intertwine in the songs of the musicians from the ethno jazz formation JazzBoree. This is also the case in their latest song, "Pladney", inspired by our folk stories of love. Singer Savina Plamenova authored the music and lyrics..

published on 3/22/25 9:10 AM