Violist Valentin Petrov, one of the OML’s oldest musicians, was surprised yesterday during the Orchestra’s rehearsal by members of the board, colleagues (musicians, teachers, administrative staff) and some students who, together, wanted to mark his 31 years of service.
It’s not every day that someone “from home” retires and, in the specific case of musicians, Valentin Petrov takes first place on that podium. The occasion was marked by a fitting tribute from Metropolitana, represented by Executive Director Miguel Honrado and Artistic Director Pedro Neves.
Valentin Petrov studied viola at the Sofia Conservatoire and, over the next two years, attended various masterclasses.
He has made recordings for radio and television and performed as a soloist with the Sofia Symphony Orchestra and the Bulgarian Chamber Orchestra. He was also First Viola of the Sofia Radio Orchestra and the Studio Concertante Chamber Orchestra, as well as taking part in several tours in Europe and Japan.
As First Viola, he was a member of the New Portuguese Philharmonic as well as the orchestra’s String Quartet. In September 1992 he became viola player with the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra and a professor at the National Superior Orchestra Academy.
When the performances of Mozart’s Requiem come to an end, the Bulgarian-born musician will retire from the stage, one month short of his 72nd birthday.