Milen Slavovaccordionist - composer - producer

Milen grew up in the folk traditions of his native Bulgaria. In 1997 he came to America with the dream of sharing his inspiration and talents, and with the hope to finding a new life and opportunities for himself and his family. Since then Milen has performed, composed, produced, and taught throughout the United States and Canada. In 2000 the US government awarded Milen permanent residency as an artist of extraordinary ability.

Milen is a master accordionist performing captivating Bulgarian/Balkan music and world fusion with jazz and gypsy elements. Expect energy, virtuosity, and unique musical expressions. Milen also composes original music and produces promotional multimedia.

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Milen's Royalty Free Music Library

Download a Promo Kit including bio, photos, and MP3s [ZIP]

Singer Zhivka Papancheva

Comments

Credits

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"You have an enormous talent and your music is vibrant and exciting and your playing...simply incredible!"

Avraham Sternklar, pianist, composer, educator

"Your special modality involving "World Music" is an offering of true value in these times."

Herbert Rothgarber, composer, educator

"The lecture and recital by Milen Slavov...was a demonstration of remarkable talent...the recital was absolutely incredible...he taught mixed meters, language, social customs, and fusion of Bulgarian folk music with jazz and pop."

Dr. Mark Reimer, Chair, Department of Music, Christopher Newport University, Virginia

"Dear Milen, I was mesmerized as I listened to your work, and followed in the score. Thank you for honoring my few words with this wonderful music. I think you captured what captured me - the notion of something going on from something that is gone...You brought to life what I hinted...Your notes and the singers voice carry me away. Thank you for playing with what the world gave me in a few words. You take my little beginning back into the living world. With my best wishes for your creative life."

Kim Stafford, Poet

NW Writing Institute & William Stafford Center

"The music worked out wonderfully. It landed a great deal of authenticity and humor to the cues. It was great to hear your virtuosity on the accordion as well. Thank you for lending your talents and your

professionalism to my score."

Joe LoDuca, Film Composer

"Your blend of the traditional with contemporary is truly remarkable"

John Holly, Founding Member of the Long Island Arts Council

"Slavov demonstrates the capacity to cross not only the boundaries of time and space but also enter the variable dimensions of human experience."

Greg Smith, Professor of Teacher EducationLewis & Clark College, Portland Oregon

"Milen Slavov’s compositions for accordion are a wonderful combination of references to the oldest part of the rich heritage of Bulgarian folk music and new ideas that are fresh and original."

Timothy Rice, UCLA

"When I heard the performance by Milen Slavov and Zhivka Papancheva, I was astounded at the emotional depth that their music reached. I wasn't sure what to expect from Bulgarian accordion music but I know what to anticipate from now on. The songs took me from joy to longing. The music was fun and intriguing and the duo's performance was very entertaining."

Shelley Powers, Mississippi Arts Commission

"Deserving of honor and respect is the outstanding talent of Milen Slavov and Zhivka Papancheva."

Tzvetanka Varimezova, Professional Bulgarian Folk Singer

"Milen Slavov is a musician with tremendous talent and feeling for traditional and contemporary folklore. The music which he writes and presents in the "Passing with the Time" series is a bright example of his work not only as an accordionist-musician, but also as an excellent authority on Bulgarian traditional instruments."Ivan Varimezov, Master Gaida player

"Milen Slavov's transcriptions are the most detailed to be found anywhere. I think they are a MUST for any student of Bulgarian music."

Barbara Babin, EEFC Board member and Gudulka player

"...The students and faculty all thoroughly enjoyed their performance of Bulgarian music. Not only did they perform for us; they also shared information about their country and the instruments that they played. It was a wonderful learning experience for us all. Many teachers and students came to me personally afterwards to thank me for bringing such an incredible assembly to our school..."

Erika Reynolds, teacher

"...Work with artists is essential for our teachers to help them understand and include the arts in their work with Mississippi students. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise in your art form with the wonderful educators of Mississippi..."

Tim Hedgepeth, Director, Mississippi Arts Commission

"...Having worked with Milen and Zhivka as artist coordinator for the seventh annual Culture Shock, I can only give top credits to their professionalism. More than 500 children and their parents participated in the event, a day of hands-on immersion in the arts. Milen and Zhivka helped fulfill our mission of demonstrating to families the importance of the arts in their lives..."

Lici Beveridge, Jackson County Arts Council

"Thank you so much for sharing your music with us. It was a marvelous musical treat for us! You educated and entertained us so well. We truly appreciate you."

Keri Perisich, Music Teacher