If you think that the name of the chamber ensemble "3/4" (three quarters) is inspired by the three-time rhythm, then you are mistaken. The young musicians choose to be called so for different reasons. "Although we are four people, we cannot define ourselves as a quartet because we play as a trio distributed in various combinations of instruments", explains cellist Teodora Atanasova. The group also involves Alexander Ivanov /violin/, Faradj Akbarov /clarinet/, Simeon Zlatkov /piano/.  The students have already received the first high assessment of their talent from international competitions and festivals.

Behind every successful young artist there is usually a respected educator. Ensemble "3/4" is formed in the class of the famous violinist, conductor and professor of chamber music Angel Stankov.

"It is extremely easy to work with him”, says Simeon. “He is a wonderful man who inspires us not only as a musician but in every respect. We are very grateful to him for what he does for us. Prof. Stankov is like an encyclopedia and has rich knowledge in various fields."

On April 24, to the accompaniment of the Academic Symphony Orchestra, Alexander, Theodora and Simeon will perform the Triple Concerto by Ludwig van Beethoven. Here is what the cellist told Radio Bulgaria:

"It is well-known that this work is quite difficult technically, especially for the cellist. However, this concerto is a favorite for the three of us. In the beginning when we received the proposal we had a certain amount of hesitation whether to accept such a responsible commitment. Ultimately, we decided to seize the opportunity and make the most of it."

In 13th studio of the Bulgarian National Radio, the musicians told how interesting the lessons with their teacher pass. Prof. Stankov diversifies the practical activities by introducing his students to curious details of the works and their authors. In 2014, ensemble "3/4" added to its repertoire Piano Trio from Lyubomir Pipkov marking 110 years of his birth. The students presented the work not only at home but also in Russia and Germany, as the foreign audience received it with standing ovation.

"This season will be just as active as the previous one," Theodora and Simeon expect. Although Angel Stankov has not revealed what projects he is planning for them, the musicians intend to record a CD when they collect enough repertoire.

"Maybe we would need some time to part with our clarinetist. He is now completing his bachelor's degree and plans to continue his education abroad," says Theodora. She has mixed feelings on the issue of emigration:

"I am delighted that we show young people who have chosen to remain in Bulgaria that they can continue to develop their skills at home. But considering how cosmopolitan the world now is, we can accumulate more experience abroad and go back here. Many of our peers are going to a place where they think they will live better. Later they return because either they did not find a good professor or simply they failed to integrate. Success in an unfamiliar environment depends on their will, discipline and their manner of communicating with people."

English Rossitsa Petcova