Vasko vassilev vanessa mae biography

• Born Sofia, 1970.

• First violin lessons aged 5.

• 1978 – First public performance at the “Flag of Peace” Children’s Assembly in Sofia and released first LP record with Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra.

Acting debut same year in role of the young Leonardo da Vinci at Ivan Vazov National Theatre.

• 1979 – Auditioned and won lead role in the movie “Sun over Childhood”, with Nevena Kokanova playing his ‘mother.

• 1980 – Sent by the Government of Bulgaria to further his education at the Central School of Music of the Moscow Conservatory.

• 1987 – Won the first (of three) major international violin competitions – Jacques Thibault in Paris, France.

• 1988 - Moved to and settled in London as youngest post-graduate at the Guildhall School of Music.

Won multiple Prizes at Carl Flesch International Competition in London, UK

• 1989 – Winner of Paganini