This project seeks to promote the rich musical heritage of the Balkan region through captivating and enchanting musical selections for violin and piano performed by two Balkan native musicians: bulgarian violinist Miroslav Hristov and serbian pianist Vladimir Valjarevic. The program is about 65 min. consisting of 5 works for violin and piano by a composer from each one of the following Balkan countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Serbia.

The repertoire ranges from early twentieth-century romantic music, including the internationally recognized composer, Georges Enescu, to a recent composition by the young, prominent Serbian female composer, Aleksandra Vrebalov. Some of these works are reminiscent of the haunting qualities of eastern chants while others are infused with uplifting folk melodies and rhythms, and even elements of serialism. It was recorded during the summer 2010  and has already been performed in Stara Zagora (Bulgaria) and Novi Sad (Serbia). Future performances are scheduled for 2011 in Knoxville and New York City, USA.

Miroslav Hristov - Bulgarian-born violinist Miroslav Hristov has been hailed for his poetic lyricism and sensitivity as an artist. Hristov has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestra leader throughout the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Poland, Croatia, Serbia, Greece, Norway, Sweden, as well as his native Bulgaria. He was First Prize winner of the National Violin Competition "Dobrin Petkov" in Bulgaria and has recorded for the Bulgarian National Radio and WUOT in Knoxville. An advocate of contemporary Bulgarian music, he has premiered the works of some of Bulgaria's leading composers in Europe and the United States. Mr. Hristov has served on the faculty of the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico and is now on the faculty of the University of Tennessee School of Music. He also serves as the Associate Concertmaster of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.

Vladimir Valjarevic -The critics have praised Vladimir Valjarevic for his "caressing legato", "silk-on-velvet seductiveness" (Fanfare Magazine), "beautiful lyricism and a wide variety of tones and colorings, perceptively applied with care" (All Music Guide), and as “an outstandingly responsive partner and superb tonalist” (The Strad).  He has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in Europe, America, and The Far East, and has recorded for Labor Records.  Vladimir Valjarevic received Professional Studies Certificate from Conservatoire Supérieure de Genève (Fulbright Scholarship/Swiss Arts Grant), Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees from Mannes College of Music and has done doctoral studies at Rutgers University.  Festival participations include Prussia Cove, Apeldoorn, American Conservatory in Fontainebleau, Kneisel Hall, Round Top, Beethoven Institute, Internantional Keyboard Institute.  Vladimir Valjarevic is on Piano Faculty of Mannes College Preparatory and Extension Divisions and on Piano Pedagogy Faculty at Mannes College.