Evgeni Bozhanov, one of the finalists for the 2009 Van Cliburn Competition, will perform at the Spicewood Vineyards Event Center on Saturday, Feb. 20.

The Van Cliburn Competition is one the world’s preeminent musical events.
He dazzled judges, critics and the crowd last year in the world-famous competition when he finished his recital with Schubert’s Sonata in B-flat.
“It was strong, and executed with a pleasing tone,”,” declared Kristain, a critic with the Fort Worth Weekly. “Schubert sonatas can be tough to get a handle on, especially in terms of form. Pianists don’t often get standing ovations by playing Schubert unless they’re deserved. This one felt deserved.”
The 25-year-old Bozhanov started playing piano when he was six years old. At age 12, he made his debut with his hometown orchestra in Rousse, Bulgaria. The pianist is known for sophisticated interpretations, clear tones and the ability to express the nuances of the music he plays.
During the competition, Bozhanov also played Takemitsu Rain Tree Sketch I; Schumann Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6; and Gounod-Liszt Faust Waltz. For the final concert he played Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 and Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18.
The Dallas Morning News praised Bozhanov’s playing during the 2009 Cliburn Competition, stating, “…on musical grounds, he’s clearly ready for a major career, and he’s got the makings of a legend.”
In addition to the Steven De Groote Memorial Award for the Best Performance of Chamber Music at the 2009 Cliburn Competition, Bozhanov’s awards include first prize at the 2008 Casagrande (Terni, Italy), 2006 Carl Bechstein (Ruhr, Germany) and the 2004 Chopin competitions, and second prize Sviatoslav Richter (Moscow, Russia) competitions.
He studied at the Folksvang Hochschule four Music une Tanz in Essen, Germany. In addition to pursuing his professional career, he is enrolled in post-graduate studies at the Robert Schumann Musikhochschule in Duesseldorf, Germany.
Bozhanov’s concert begins at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 20, at Spicewood Vineyards Event Center, 1419 CR 409, Spicewood, Texas, and includes a “Meet the Artists” reception with hors d’oeuvres. Artist lovers are invited to attend a pre-performance dinner at Barton Creek Country Club Lakeside. Call 830-693-7581 for reservations. To order tickets for Bozhanov’s performance and other Spicewood Arts Society 2009-2010 Season events, visit www.SpicewoodArts.org or call 512-264-2820.