Alexander Tchobanov was reported as a “true virtuoso and master of the piano” by one of the national Bulgarian newspapers following a recital in his native city of Plodiv, Bulgaria upon his return home from studies at Rutgers University in 2005.As a young boy of ten he was awarded second prize in “Svetoslav Obretenov,” the National Bulgarian competition in 1990.  As a teenager Mr. Tchobanov came to the United States to continue his musical studies while completing high school.  He was a semi-finalist in the 1999 Spotlights Competition in Los Angeles.  Upon his graduation from the Idyllwild Arts Academy, Mr. Tchobanov was awarded Best Recital of the Year and featured on the Academy’s official CD. In 2000 he was awarded second prize at the Temecula Artist Competition.  The same year, Mr. Tchobanov was invited to perform in live recital with concert pianist and radio host Christopher O’Riley.A performance at the  Jordan Hll in Boston was broadcast on WGBH Public Radio throughout the United States on the young talents radio show, “From the Top.”  Mr. Tchobanov has also performed on WXEL, South Florida Pulbic Radio, as well as numerous times on Bulagrian National Radio. Alexander Tchobanov has studied with concert pianist Sussan Starr (his Master’s program instructor at Rutgers University), Roberta Rust, Philip Evans, and Albena Dimova.Mr. Tchobanov attended the Harid Considervatory at Lynn University from 2000 to 2004 where he earned his Bachelor’s degree.  He is currently in the Master’s program at Rutgers University and was privileged to play in the Weil Auditorium at Carnegie Hall in the spring of 2005.  He will be a teaching assistant for the 2005/06 school year. Mr. Tchobanov has had master classes with Lars Vogt, Robert Levin, John Perry, and Nelita True.