"In our work, although we are friends from school, we are also people", adds Joseph Radionov. "Everyone has different merits. These mutually conflicting qualities are of great benefit. They helped us in our individual growth. Things were going in parallel - in those four decades of cooperation, we developed both solo and teaching careers. In recent years, Angel has gained extensive experience as a conductor. All these diverse activities enrich a musician."

The duo which has won numerous prestigious awards had their first big concert in 1975. "The event was held in the hall of the Academy of Music, and we were just university graduates and neophytes at teaching", Professor Radionov recalls.

On July 10, the two virtuosos will once again play in the Sofia-based Bulgaria hall under the baton of Konstantin Ilievski. The program includes works by Antonio Vivaldi, Pablo Sarasate and Josef Suk.

The duo chose to present two concerts for two violins by Vivaldi -a favorite author to the audience of all ages. The work “Navarra” by Sarasate impresses whenever we are performing it. We decided that with their festive sound these works are suitable for the closing concert of the 85thseason of the Sofia Philharmonic," says Joseph Radionov.

The musicians recorded Vivaldi's concerts in the 1990s, but the CD was not released until 2011. What are the reasons for this, explains Professor Angel Stankov:

"Some time ago, a British record company wanted to publish all 24 concertos for two violins by Vivaldi. We started working with our friend, conductor Alan Hazeldine, and recorded six of them, but unfortunately he got sick and passed away. In fact, the inspiration to perform these concerts by Vivaldi came to us many years ago. We heard a record - the rendition was of David Oistrach andStern with the Philadelphia Orchestra. From there we received the impetus to performthese very beautiful works."

By the end of 2014, the concerts of the duo are under the motto "40 years on stage".Music fans from Pazardzhik, Kazanlak, Haskovo, and Varna will have the opportunity to enjoy their art.

When asked what advice they offer to their students at the National Academy of Music, Joseph Radionov answers:

"It is not easy to be a classical musician in the 21st century. People who have dedicated themselves to this field seem to anticipate the difficulties they come across. The best advice that we can give to our students is our personal example, to be able as an experienced friend to help them establish themselves and grow professionally, and especially not forget the humanity in their interaction with colleagues."

Angel Stankov supports and complements the thought of his colleague:

"What Joseph says is the most important. I advise them to first become human. I tell them that even though we live in an era where money is everything, we live in days of falseness. In this profession one cannot not become very rich or famous, but every day we are in touch with something real."

The audio file contains the following recordings:

Movement 1 of Concerto for two violins in A Minor by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by Sofia String Orchestra, conducted Alan Hazeldine

Movement 2 of Concerto for 2 violins in D Major by Antonio Vivaldi, accompanied by Sofia String Orchestra, conducted by Alan Hazeldine

Bulgarian Dance for two violins and piano by Pancho Vladigeroff,performed by Radionov-Stankov duo and Theodora Nestorova on the piano

English Rossitsa Petcova