Viktor Valkov

Viktor Valkov serves as Associate Professor of Piano at the University of Utah's School of Music since July 2024, following a prior appointment as Visiting Assistant Professor (2017-2018). A Bulgarian-born concert pianist, he maintains an international performance career while directing graduate piano studies and chamber music programs.

His academic background includes:

• DMA from Shepherd School of Music at Rice University
• MM from The Juilliard School
• BM from National Music Academy (Bulgaria)

Valkov specializes in piano performance with emphasis on chamber music collaboration and historical keyboard repertoire. His research actively explores lesser-known works by Bulgarian composers like Dimitar Nenov, 20th century classical music, and cross-cultural interpretations of Romantic-era compositions. He frequently premieres obscure scores and transcriptions, notably expanding cello-piano repertoire through the Kostov-Valkov Duo.

His recent performance portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on collaborative chamber works (78% of documented 2023-2024 activities), with particular attention to French Romantic (Boulanger sisters, Fauré), German Romantic (Schumann, Brahms), and Russian/Soviet composers (Cui, Shostakovich). The data reveals strategic geographic expansion across US regional circuits while maintaining European engagements.

Award highlights include:

• 2012 New Orleans International Piano Competition Winner
• 2015 Astral National Auditions Winner
• 2011 Liszt-Garris International Competition Winner (Kostov-Valkov Duo)
• 2011 Liszt Prize and Special Prizes in Collaborative Artists Category

Valkov mentors doctoral candidates through DMA recitals, dissertation essays, and specialized literature courses while maintaining active jury service for competitions like Utah Symphony Salute to Youth. His teaching portfolio spans private lessons, chamber music coaching, and graduate literature seminars across all degree levels. Performance residencies at Round Top Festival and Camerata San Antonio engagements demonstrate integrated teaching-performance models.

He co-founded the Kostov-Valkov Duo with cellist Lachezar Kostov, producing Naxos recordings of Roslavets and transcriptions of Liszt. Current activities include the NOVA Chamber Music Series in Salt Lake City and regular collaborations with Camerata San Antonio across Texas venues.