Elena Zlatkova
Since her arrival in South Africa in 2003, Elena has captivated audiences with her many appearances on stage, at corporate events and concerts. A diverse musician and performer that had critics and fans raving in the Barnyard Theatre productions of Natural Women, Beethoven Rocks Again and Roll over Beethoven.
‘...the violin forms an integral part of this show and its dexterous handling comes from the gorgeous Elena’ - Cape Times
‘Elena Zlatkova’s dexterity on the electric violin provides the magic which entices people to view shows over and over again’ - The Observer
‘…Elena’s Dueling Violins are an absolute must to experience’- The Observer
Elena is also a sought after performer for corporate events and has performed for some of South Africa’s prominent companies and financial institutions: SAB, Vodacom, Bidvest, FNB, Investec, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Discovery Health, Toyota, Daimler Chrysler, Sappi, PG Bison, Mnet, Mercedes Benz to name a few. On the classical front she has enchanted audiences with her solo and chamber music recitals at the popular Music in the Gallery, the Old Mutual Theatre on Nelson Mandela Square, as well as the sundowner concert series at the University of Johannesburg over the last five years.
Elena hails from the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia. She started to play the violin at the age of five and went on to study at the Lyubomir Pipkov National School of Music. Thereafter she graduated from the Pancho Vladigerov State Academy of Music with a honours degree in violin performance. Elena is an accomplished chamber and orchestral musician and has been a member of the Collegium - Musicam Chamber Orchestra, the New Symphony Orchestra, the Ladies Chamber Orchestra of Bulgaria and the National Young Philharmonia Bulgaria, which have performed in renowned concert halls and festivals throughout Bulgaria and Europe.
Elena currently resides in Johannesburg, South Africa. She works regularly with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra and the MIAGI Orchestra.
Elena has also performed with visiting European orchestras to South Africa such as the internationally acclaimed Philharmonia des Nation and the Kammerphilharmonie, Amade. She was a member of the Motswako String Quartet during 2006 which performed frequently at high profile corporate events such as the UNICEF charity dinner with special guest Quincy Jones, South African Government functions, a Classic FM soiree as well as the popular Symphony on the Square.
During her tenure in Dubai (2000-2003) she was a member of a classical trio based at Hyatt Regency Hotel as well as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel. She also performed at numerous weddings of the Royal Families of the United Arab Emirates and at several corporate events for international companies.
Elena has appeared on television on numerous occasions internationally and in South Africa and has gained a wider audience with her appearance on the popular South African television soap Egoli, the Afrikaans showcase Huisegenoot – Skouspel, Vicious Delicious’ as well as a youth programme, Craze-E on E-Tv. Elena also has had the opportunity to share the stage with international stars Khanye West in 2006 and Patrizio Buane in 2009.