Dr. Nickolai Kolarov is an outstanding performer both of solo and chamber music. He began his musical career in Bulgaria, where he graduated from the Bulgarian State Academy of Music in Sofia. He studied with Igor Gavrish of the Moscow Conservatory and was a frequent performer at the Bulgarian National Palace of Culture. He moved to the United States in 1995 and received his Master's degree from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri. His Doctorate is in Cello Performance from the University of Minnesota.

Kolarov performs with distinguished musicians in both classical and contemporary repertoire throughout the country. He organized a series of Balkan Contemporary Chamber Music concerts in Kansas City, MO and the Twin Cities featuring music written especially for him by renowned Albanian composer Aleksander Peci and Bulgarian Bojidar Gatev.
He was awarded the Fine Arts and Humanities Grant from the University of St. Thomas in 2002, where he taught cello between 2001 and 2006. He received Encore grants in 2004 and 2006 as well as the Subito grant for 2006 from the American Composers Forum. He is the founder of Art Salon Zora, a non-formal organization of musicians and artists in Sofia that promotes sharing the Bulgarian cultural experience around the world. Nickolai Kolarov has conducted and performed with the 3M Club Symphony Orchestra and the Century College Orchestra. He is founder and Director of the Wildwood Symphony Orchestra, based at Mahtomedi, MN; Some of his performances were broadcast and featured by the Bulgarian National Radio, the Bulgarian National TV, 90.1 Kansas City Radio Station KKFI, KCTV Channel 9, TPT Channel 17.

Nickolai Kolarov has rich teaching experience in cello and strings, both in Bulgaria and in the United States. Currently he teaches at K & S Conservatory of Music and West Bank School of Music, as well as his private studio. He delivers lectures on Balkan Folk Music in colleges and schools throughout Minnesota.

Contact Dr. Kolarov if you are interested in private lessons or in organizing a class on Balkan folk music. He is also available for concerts and your special events as a soloist or with an ensemble.

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