FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jenni Shrum,
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
(405) 231-0145
jenni@okcphil.org
“Chavdar Parashkevov will assume the role this May”
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma City Philharmonic (OKCPHIL) announces the appointment of Chavdar Parashkevov as the orchestra’s new Gertrude Kennedy Concertmaster, effective May 2026.
Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate shared, “Chavdar brings the artistry, leadership, and depth of experience that define an exceptional concertmaster. His sound is luminous and expressive, and his musical instincts elevate everyone around him. I am thrilled to welcome him to the OKCPHIL’s musical family.”
Parashkevov brings extensive international experience as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral leader. Praised by The Strad as “a romantic virtuoso with sparkling and brilliant tone and clarity of gesture,” the Bulgarian violinist has performed extensively throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia.
In addition to his solo and chamber appearances, Parashkevov has performed regularly with the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet orchestras, contributing to a broad range of operatic and symphonic repertoire. Since 2022, he has served on the faculty of the Round Top Festival Institute and currently holds the position of Assistant Professor of Violin at Oklahoma City University.
Recent engagements include performances at the Round Top Festival Institute, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts concert series, and with the Cypress Creek FACE Foundation. A prizewinner in multiple international competitions, he has released four recordings. His most recent album, Brahms and Shostakovich: Piano Trios (2021), was praised for its intensity and stylistic depth.
Parashkevov holds advanced degrees from Southern Methodist University and the University of Houston and studied with Peter Hristoskov, Andrzej Grabiec, and Emanuel Borok.
Parashkevov’s work can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/@chavdarmusic or on his website at http://chavdarmusic.com/home.
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic extends its sincere appreciation to Marat Gabdullin, Associate Concertmaster, for his leadership and service to the orchestra during the interim period. The organization also wishes to thank the members of the Audition Committee for their dedication and thoughtful work throughout the selection process.
About OKC Philharmonic
OKC Philharmonic was founded in 1988 and celebrates over 30 years of beautiful music in Oklahoma City. Under the direction of Alexander Mickelthwate, the orchestra performs Classics, Orchestral Pops, and Discovery Family concerts, as well as a variety of community engagements. Our mission exists to provide inspiration and joy for the community through orchestral music. For more information contact us at okcphil.org 424 Colcord Drive, Suite B, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
###