Dian Tchobanov
GENERAL DIRECTOR
Maestro Dian Tchobanov has been the General Music Director of the State Opera Plovdiv since the 2013/2014 season and became its General Manager in 2024.
He earned his master’s degree at the State Musical Academy in Sofia and the University of Performing Arts in Vienna under Prof. Uroš Lajović. His conducting style has been influenced by Sir Colin Davis, Fabio Luisi, and Ivan Fischer. In 2021, he was awarded a Doctorate in the field of art.
He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Second and Special Award at the "Lovro von Matačić" International Conductors Competition in Zagreb (2003), a Special Prize at the Austro-Hungarian Conductors Competition in Budapest (1998), and the "Plovdiv Prize" in 2014, the highest arts distinction in his hometown.
His professional career includes roles as resident conductor of the Croatian National Opera (2009–2022), chief conductor of the Croatia Chamber Orchestra (2012–2014), first conductor of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra (2004–2010), and chief conductor of the State Opera Stara Zagora (2007–2012). He was also a resident conductor of the Vienna Schloss Schönbrunn Orchestra (2004–2012).
Since 2023, Maestro Tchobanov has been a guest professor of conducting at the Academy of Music, Dance, and Visual Arts "Prof. Asen Diamandiev" in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He also taught conducting at the East China Normal University (2010–2015).
His extensive repertoire spans symphonic, cantata-oratorio, opera, operetta, ballet, and chamber music.
