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 10^th 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