Stories of our work
Michael Petrov

The Guilhermina Suggia Gift is an award for outstanding young cellists. The Suggia Gift 2009 was awarded to Michael Petrov. He was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, and began to play the cello at the age of six, inspired by his parents who were both musicians. He was recently awarded a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he studies with Louise Hopkins.

Young Artists

The Suggia gift is extremely important for me. It is hugely prestigious and I am proud and honoured to be its recipient.

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Michael is joining a list of major talents who have previously received the Suggia Gift, including Jacqueline Du Pré, Steven Isserlis, Robert Cohen, Raphael Wallfisch, Julian Lloyd Webber and Guy Johnston. Guy joined Robert Max, also a previous recipient, and Susan Monks, principal cello of BBC Symphony Orchestra, on this year’s audition panel.

"The Suggia gift is extremely important for me. It is hugely prestigious and I am proud and honoured to be its recipient. It also has given me a great boost and gives me hope that I might one day make it in this hard and unforgiving occupation. The award is a tremendous financial help as living in England is very expensive for someone coming from my part of the world.”

As a result of the auditions, Robert Max invited Michael Petrov to perform Prokofiev’s Sinfonia Concertante with Oxford Symphony Orchestra at Oxford Town Hall on Saturday 6 February this year. His performance was met with glowing reviews. The future is bright for Michael Petrov.

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