Draft:Valentin Peytchinov

Valentin Peytchinov (born December 22, 1956) is a Bulgarian-born operatic bass singer with a career focused on major opera houses and concert halls internationally.

Early life and education
Born in Bulgaria, Peytchinov studied piano and composition at the Bulgarian National Conservatory “Pancho Vladigherov”. He was awarded the Gold Medal for superior achievement in vocal performance and the Misha Popov Award for vocal excellence. In 1988, he emigrated to the United States, where he furthered his operatic training on a full scholarship at the Juilliard Opera Center.

Career
Peytchinov has performed widely, appearing in opera, concert, and recital venues in Bulgaria, the United States, Italy, Germany, Austria, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Poland, and China. His signature roles include Attila, Banquo, Basilio, Enrico VIII, Fiesco, The Flying Dutchman, Mephistopheles, Mustafa, Pagano, Phillipe II, Procida, Ramfis, King Rene, Roger, and Zaccaria.

He has sung with notable orchestras and opera companies, such as The Columbus Symphony, The Juilliard Opera Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Nashville Opera, New European Strings, New York Grand Opera, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Spoleto Festival, Pasadena Symphony, Montreal Opera, and The Santa Fe Symphony.

Critical Reception
Peytchinov has been recognized for his powerful bass voice. Some specific critical highlights include:


 * "A big, strong, reverberant bass voice" – Deseret News, 1990.


 * "A resonant and promising Colline" – Los Angeles Times [regarding La bohème performance].


 * "Powerful and moving" – Tampa Bay Times [regarding Fiesco].

A significant milestone in his career was the world premiere of Shostakovich's two-piano version of the Thirteenth Symphony, Babi Yar, where he performed as bass soloist. The New York Times described this performance as "illuminating".

Mentors
Peytchinov studied with internationally recognized singers and instructors, including Gian Carlo Menotti, Ghena Dimitrova, Nikolai Ghiaurov, Peter Gougaloff, Enrico di Giuseppe, and others.

Other Activities and Honors
Peytchinov is a strong advocate for vocal arts education and founded Vocal Productions NYC, Vocal Productions Bulgaria , and Vocal Productions Asia, through which he provides masterclasses and courses for singers. He also established “The Valentin Peytchinov Vocal Studio” in New York City.

Peytchinov has been involved in arts organizations including the Advisory Committee of the Olga Forrai Foundation and the International Headquarters’ Council for the Arts and Culture Festival of Sofia 2010 World Women’s Conference. His honors include:


 * Winner, America Opera Auditions (1990).
 * Bass finalist, Luciano Pavarotti Competition (1992).
 * Awards from the Sullivan Foundation and Olga Forrai Foundation.
 * Metropolitan Opera principal artist (2000).