Emil Tabakov (born August 21, 1947) is a Bulgarian conductor, composer and double-bass player.

Life and career

Emil Tabakov was born in Ruse, Bulgaria. In 1947 he studied at the Bulgarian State Music Academy with Todor Toshev, Marin Goleminov and Vladi Simeonov. He graduated with a diploma in conducting and double-bass in 1974 and in composition in 1978. Tabakov's first engagement as a conductor was from 1976 to 1979 with the Rousse Philharmonic Orchestra. From 1979 to 1987 he served as music director and Conductor of the Sofia Soloists Chamber Orchestra. He was appointed Principal Conductor of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra in 1987, and again served in this position from 1998 to 2000. From 1994 to 2000 he was artistic director and Conductor of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2014 he became the conductor of the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra. In 1997 Tabakov served as Bulgarian Minister of Culture. Tabakov mainly composes for large ensembles, including symphonies and instrumental concertos. His works are recorded and available on media.

Honors and awards

Selected works

Selected works include: