Agleya Kaneva & Alexander Vichev

Agleya Kaneva and Alexander Vichev, both 16 years old, study percussion instruments at the National School of Music and Dance Arts “Dobrin Petkov” in Plovdiv, specializing in percussion. They play in the school’s representative chamber ensemble “Presto” under the guidance of instructor Pencho Penchev. Two years ago, they formed a percussion duo, gaining recognition and sympathy for their talent and virtuosity. They actively participate in charity initiatives, with a concert repertoire showcased on prominent stages across Bulgaria, including Plovdiv, Sofia, Shumen, Stara Zagora, Ruse, and more.

• Concert of Laureates from national and international competitions in 2022 at the National Music Academy “Prof. Pancho Vladigerov” Sofia.
• Concert “Heavenly Harmonies” by the General Armenian Benevolent Union – “Parekordzagan” AGBU Sofia, AGBU SOFIA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA with conductor Levon Manukyan at the Ancient Complex Serdika (Largo).
• Festive May Concert of the Shumen Symphony Orchestra with conductor Levon Manukyan.
• Concert at the house-museum “Boris Hristov” Sofia.
• GALA concert of the “Youth Platform PROGRESSIVE.”
• Concert as part of the XIV International Festival “Days of Music in Balabanov House” Roman Stadium – Plovdiv.
• Charity concerts at the Regional Library “Zahariy Knyazheski” – Stara Zagora.
• Special guests at the GALA concert of the TV show “Eternal Music” on BNT Bulgarian National Television.
• Easter concert at Hall Biad, Sofia.
• Concert “Palette of Peace” at the Catholic parish “St. Joseph,” part of the Week of Interfaith Harmony and Tolerance World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW).
• Charity concert by jazz musician Bobi Vulchev at City Mark Art Center – Sofia.
• Concert at Bulgaria Hall with the chamber ensemble Sofia Soloists conducted by Konstantin Dobroykov.

Alexander Vichev, born on November 12, 2007, studies percussion instruments at the same school, being a soloist in the “Presto” ensemble.He has won awards in several competitions, some of which include:

• First Prize at the International Competition for Young Musicians in Pernik 2015.
• First Prize at the VII International Percussion Instruments Competition “Pendim” in Plovdiv 2019.
• Second Prize at the National Competition for Young Musicians “Music of Europe” in Burgas, March 2019.
• First Prize at the National Competition for Young Musicians “Music of Europe” in Burgas, April 2021.
• First Prize at the Online Competition for Great Composers, Percussion Section, 2021.

Alexander Vichev continually refines his musical skills and participates in master classes, some of which include:

• “March Musical Days” – International Music Academy Sasha Popov – Rousse, March 2018.
• IV “Amsterdam Marimba Weekend” – Amsterdam, March 2020.
• VI “International Marimba and Percussion Festival” – Pleven, July 2021.
• Academy “Percussion Instruments Meet Identity” – Graz, July 2021.
• Academy and Master Class with Nebojsa Jivkovic – Vienna, September 2022.

Alexander Vichev is the recipient of the “Young Musician of the Year” award in 2021 from the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).

He has a rich concert experience, including performances with:

• Shumen Symphony Orchestra in May 2021.
• Razgrad Philharmonic Orchestra in December 2021.
• Sofia Symphony Orchestra in February 2022.
• Armenian Orchestra in Sofia in May 2022.
• Orchestra of the National Music Academy “Pancho Vladigerov” in April 2023.
• Chamber Orchestra in Pernik in April 2023.
• Shumen Symphony Orchestra in May 2023.
• Armenian Orchestra in June 2023.
• Gabrovo Chamber Orchestra in September 2023.

Agleya Kaneva, born on June 6, 2007, also studies percussion instruments at the Dobrin Petkov School. She is a member of the “Presto” ensemble as a percussionist and a vocal, engaging in diverse and impactful concert activities. 

Apart from percussion, Agleya is passionate about singing pop and jazz music, drawing inspiration from artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Diana Krall, and Esperanza Spalding. She has received numerous awards from international and national music competitions.

Agleya is a part of the successful children of the Dimitar Berbatov Foundation in pop and jazz singing for four consecutive years. She is also a regular participant in the youth stage of the Bansko Jazz Fest. In 2023, she was featured as a young jazz performer and a special surprise in the concert of renowned jazz musician and composer Lyubomir Denev at the International Festival “Days of Music in Balabanov House.”

In addition to her musical pursuits, Agleya has a passion for salsa dancing, winning the 3rd place at the Euroson Latino Virtual Dance competition in Mexico in 2021 with her club “Chicas Del Mambo Dance Studio.” She enjoys sports like tennis and swimming, dreams of traveling to discover new places and friendships, and spends her free time horseback riding.

For Agleya , music is a way to express herself and understand the world.