PRESS  

PRESS QUOTES – STANKOV ENSEMBLE TRIO

“The ensemble has proven their skills in building up the dramaturgy in their programme, which captures the attention and holds it all the way to the end, suggesting the ideas as if in one breath. Succinctly, with no excess. And so on. From the Bulgarian song-writer, the jubilee, through another jubilee - John Adams, the Armenian - Alan Hovhaness, John Williams and Martin Georgiev.A journey through different ages, different styles, different signatures, felt and interpreted by VaniaStankova, Ivo Stankov and LachezarStankov.

A musical family, which not only works as an ensemble, but every one of whom has reached the high interpretative state, and level. I call it a state, because in chamber music the pulse of every participant must be the pulse of a whole body. And this happens somewhat naturally in this family ensemble.”
 
‘Duma’ National Newspaper, Sofia
 
 
“The Trio performed the Spanish repertoire with finesse and style – the most memorable of the evening were De Falla’s ‘Seven Popular Songs’, exquisitely performed by Vania and LachezarStankov; Ravel’s ‘Tsigane’ where Ivo Stankov’s playing was spirited and temperamental, and LachezarStankov’s dazzling performance of ‘Sevilla’ from the Suite ‘España’ by Albeniz. In the arias the singer showed the quality of her voice and the intelligent use of timbre, strength and dynamics.
At the end of the concert we heard the Suite ‘España’ by Chabrier arranged for voice, violin and piano – original and effective.”
‘Kultura’ National Newspaper, Sofia
 
PRESS QUOTES – VANIA VATRALOVA-STANKOV

"...On the compelling evidence of this debut recording, there may indeed be some seductive delights to anticipate from this comely young soprano in the very near future..." - Concertonet, review of CD "Operatic Favourites"  
"...She seems to have a lyric voice, but one which has a richness and depth to it... Possibly the best overall piece of singing on the CD is in the opening of Signore ascolta from Turandot. Here Vatralova-Stankov sounds a little like Caballé in the role."
- Music and Vision

"...This is a promising recital debut. With further experience I am sure Vania Vatralova-Stankov will be even more of an asset for many an opera house..."
- Music-web International

“…Bulgarian soprano Vania Vatralova-Stankov was outstanding as the tragic heroine. Her mad scene at the end was searing in its intensity. With a voice of such quality and strength, major opera houses should rush to sign her up…”
- Gloucestershire Echo, Ana Bolena at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury
 
“…Vania Vatralova-Stankov sang with the kind of determination that defies categorisation…”
- Opera Magazine, Ana Bolena at the Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
 
“…Powerfull performance from Vania Vatralaova-Stankov (in the title role)…”
- The Big Issue, Rusalka at the Taliesen Arts Centre, Swansea
 
“…Vania Vatralova-Stankov is especially charismatic in the title role…”
- Western Mail, Rusalka at the Taliesen Arts Centre, Swansea
 

PRESS QUOTES - IVO STANKOV
 
“I had the pleasure of playing with Ivo at a charity event in September 2009. Ivo's playing was excellent and he was a pleasure to work with.”
 -  Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits
 
“Stunning Virtuoso solo…”
- Evening Herald
 
“...Exceptionally interesting programme...a really good performance... Bulgarian Rhapsody Vardar brought the recital to a close in commanding style.”
- Musical Opinion
 
“...the performance of Janacek's violin sonata excellently reflected the music's restless and wayward moods...Falla's Spanish dance was spirited...the long unaccompanied solo of Ravel's Tzigane was Stankov's best playing of the evening, projecting considerable intensity whilst also suggesting something of Gypsy spontaneity.”
- Musical Opinion
 
“Spirited performance…”
- Edinburgh Evening News 
 
“Some virtuoso playing…”
 - IC Wales 
 
“Injected passion and energy…”
- This is Wiltshire