June 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Very much looking forward to appearing at Chichester Festivities on Monday 3rd July - with Bogdan Vacarescu (Violin) International virtuosos Bogdan Vacarescu and Valentina Seferinova present a stunning programme for violin and piano featuring treasures by Vivaldi, Tartini, Vitali, Beethoven, Chopin and Sarasate. “A performance of virtuosity, energy, spontaneity and poetry in equal measure.” (The Classical Reviewer). See my 'Engagements' page ------------------ |
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May 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
My two orchestral performances back in my native Bulgaria - particularly in my home town of Vidin, went very very well. There were daily interviews and coverage by BNR - Bulgarian National Radio Here's me after being interviewed live on-air with 2 of the radio staff/interviewers/reporters One of their interviews was posted on their website The headline reads "Световноизвестна пианистка от Видин се завръща на родна сцена." Google Translate gives it as = "A world renowned pianist from Vidin is returning to her native stage." ------------------ |
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April 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
I can now reveal my next UK orchestral performance !! Saturday 9th December (Note - afternoon at 2:30pm to avoid evening clash with Strictly etc !!) with Havant Symphony Orchestra Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18.(aka 'Rach 2' !!) Widely described as the greatest piano concerto ever written. Regularly No. 1 in listeners choice in Classic FM annual charts. If, when listening to the sublime second movement (and it doesn't bring a tear to the eye!), you think you might have heard the tune somewhere else before, take a listen to the power ballad 'All By Myself'. The song was based on Rachmaninov’s melody. Ever been slightly curious as to what I do - THIS IS one to be at !! ------------------ |
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March 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Just received the poster from Bulgaria - for my 2 performances with the Vidin Sinfonieta in Vidin and then Sofia on 21st and 22nd April.
Will be guest soloist for Saint-Saens 2.
Nice to see I get top billing !! Sshh ! |
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February 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Very much looking forward to this on Thursday 2nd February lunch time ! :) LUNCH TIME CONCERTFREE ENTRY - RETIRING COLLECTIONValentina Seferinova (Piano) Catherine Lawlor (Violin) Piers Burton-Page (Reader) Programme: La cathédrale engloutie (The Sunken Cathedral) (1910) - Debussy (1862-1918) - Piano The Myths (1915) - Karol Syzmanowski (1882-1937) - Violin & Piano 1. La fountaine d'Aruthuse 2. Narcisse 3. Dryades et Pan
Readings and Introductions by Piers Burton-Page (formerly the Voice of BBC Radio 3) ------------------
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January 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Just recently returned from a simply amazing visit to the Golden Triangle of India (Delhi, Jaipur, Agra [Taj Mahal]).
The photo is of a chance encounter at a theatrical event in Agra with a Bollywood superstar and singer Ila Arun on my right. (Google her name !).
On my left is the also amazing Manav Singh - who was our fantastic Tour Guide throughout (who comes highly recommended should you ever want comprehensive info and support for a visit that should be on everyone's Bucket List).
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December 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Absolutely near breathless with excitement to announce 2 performances with Vidin Sinfonietta Orchestra. An emotional return to my home town on the banks of the River Danube - to be guest soloist with the very first orchestra I ever played with as a 13 and 14 year old. In April next year With a repeat performance the following night in the capital Sofia - in a hall next to the National Palace of Culture (Bulgaria's 'Albert Hall) Featured will be Saint-Saëns - Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor Op. 22 More details to follow as they're agreed. ------------------ |
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November 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Last night's performance at the Great Hall of the Maltings, Farnham of Debussy's 'Petite Suite' (with fellow pianist Adam Blosse) and our accompaniment of 'Luminosa' choir's performance of Brahms' 'Requiem' very well received by a packed audience. You can check it out here! ------------------ |
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Very much looking forward to an exciting evening with a difference at one of my favourite venues from my early days in the UK - at the Regis Recital Hall, Sudley Road, Bognor on 19th November A programme of Light Opera and Piano for the Bognor Regis Music Club. With Natalia Buciuman (Soprano - former leading prima soprano of the Operetta Theatre in Bucharest) and myself See my 'Engagements' page for fuller details. ------------------ |
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From the 8th October Free Concert in the Menuhin Room, Portsmouth Library Claude Debussy's La cathédrale engloutie (The Sunken Cathedral) - and Zygmunt Noskowski's En Autumn Op.29 No.1 - ------------------ |
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October 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
21st October 2022 - End of an Era End of an era!
23 years of my life have been spent teaching at what used to be South Downs College, then HSDC...
23 years full of emotions, excitement, joy, sometimes sadness, even stress... but never dull!
23 years of working with fantastic musicians, wonderful colleagues and great friends, teaching hundreds of incredibly talented students, many of which now being well established professional musicians themselves, others going into completely different professional fields, but all doing brilliantly in whatever they do...
I feel so privileged to have been part of their life and education...
Today was my last day at South Downs/HSDC - we had great choir session, followed by a wonderful concert and send off, flowers, cards...
Though sad and very emotional, I feel optimistic that the HSDC music department is left in the safe and very capable hands of fabulous Millie and marvelous Amanda!
I know music will continue thriving at HSDC and the music department will continue producing high level of great young musicians as it has done for the past 3 or more decades (achieving best music A-level results in the entire UK in 2005 and 2006!)...
Will miss you all but look forward to seating in the audience and enjoying listening to splendid future performances
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17th October Today is the anniversary of the death of Frederyk Chopin - one of the greatest composers and piano virtuosos. A Varsovian (Warsaw) by birth, a Pole at heart, a citizen of the world. Chopin was buried in Paris, but his heart Try this - his Fantaisie in F minor op 49 ------------------ |
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Am looking forward to accompanying Romanian and International virtuoso violinist Bogdan Vacarescu - in The Menuhin Room, 3rd. Floor, Portsmouth Central Library on 8th. October - see my 'Engagements' page for more info. He now lives and teaches locally here in the UK. Fuller details on his website above. ------------------ |
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September 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Rediscovering a hidden Portsmouth gem !
A magnificent full size Steinway concert grand! Widely regarded as the best instrument along the South Coast !
Last 'seen and heard' many years ago in the central library's 3rd floor Menuhin Room (originally designed specifically for intimate concerts, and opened by the maestro himself).
The room was closed for refurbishment in 2003/4 ; but never really reopened ever-since
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UPDATE | ||||||||||||||||||||||
See 'Engagements' page
The relaunch concert has now been agreed between the Portsmouth City Council and organiser Andrew NcVittie.
AND IT'S FREE !!!
BUT SEATS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE (see details below)
It will take place at 12:30pm Saturday lunchtime on 8th October.
Numbers are limited and tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basisComplimentary tea and coffee will be served to concert-goers in the Lily & Lime Café during the interval. The total event running time, including interval, is approximately 2 +/- hours. (performers will be doing 10/15 minutes each) Performers appearing will include (in alphabetical order):Robert Blanken (clarinet); Kate Burrows (piano); Ashton Gray (piano); Karen Kingsley (piano); Mikhail Lezdkan (‘cello); Helen Morris (piano); myself - Valentina Seferinova (piano); Bogdan Vacarescu (violin); Angela Zanders (piano). Performances will include music by: Debussy, Horowitz, Parry, Brahms,Nosokowski, Chopin, Saint-Saens, Shostakovich, Delius, Gershwin, Beethoven, Schumann, Amy Beach. TO BOOK UNRESERVED SEATS please email the organiser Andrew McVittie stating the number of seats you need and the names of those attending so that these can be added to the door list. Andrew’s email address is amcvittie@live.com Alternatively, bookings can be made by telephone on 07563 840081
IF YOU'VE EVER WONDERED WHAT I DO - NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO FIND OUT AND HEAR FOR YOURSELF - FOR FREE !! We're hoping that this free event will be well attended - and encourage the Council to bring the Menuhin Room back into regular use as a live music venue.
Please spread the word !!
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August 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Claude Debussy, famous French impressionist composer, he of Clair de Lune and many other famous pieces, was born on 22nd August some 160 years ago.
His 3 story house on the outskirts of Paris has been ‘converted’ into a museum dedicated to him.
On the 3rd floor which was his bedroom housing his piano has been converted into a small very intimate auditorium.
Once a year the Trustees cast around the world to invite a pianist(s) who is known as a world class performer of his works to give an Anniversary concert to Debussy fans who fly in from around the world for this annual event. It is a rare honour to be so invited. It certainly isn’t a situation where you can ring up and ask !!
He died in 1918 – 104 years ago. So allowing for years before the event was inaugurated and war years etc – there’s perhaps only 60 or 70 musicians world-wide who’ve been granted this honour.
By 1999 those numbers would have been less – perhaps 50 or so only.
Valentina, together with her late colleague Emilia Mihaylova, is one of those select few.
Here is part of a performance they gave for Bulgarian TV – from a tape rescued from the archives.
Happy 160th Birthday
Monsieur Debussy!
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July 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
As Schools, Colleges, and Universities break-up for the summer holidays may I wish a great and happy holiday time to all. xxx ------------------ |
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On the 21st June I participated in the Solent Symphony Orchestra's perfromance with the Milton Glee Choir in a 'Music from the Movies' concert. Here is the closing item of the first half - the Finale of Saint-Saëns - Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op.78 ('Organ Symphony') with myself and Victoria, one of my Southampton University Performance Master's degree students, taking the 4-hands piano part. I hope you enjoy. ------------------ |
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June 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Followers will know that I've performed as a soloist twice in recent months of Saint-Saëns - Piano Concerto No. 2 - G minor Op. 22. Videos of both performances are now available. With The Petersfield Orchestra at The Festival Hall, Petersfield is here. With Nova Foresta Orchesta at the historic Romsey Abbey is here. Hope you enjoy - one or both !! ------------------ |
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May 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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April 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sofia's equivalent of UK's 'Blue Plaques' commemorating the residences of famous people. |
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What overwhelming and humbling feedback to my Petersfield Orchestra appearance ; the comments haven't stopped :-
".. last night's spectacular concert. The Saint-Saëns was completely thrilling and a tour de force." ------------------ |
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March 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Friday was the 1st rehearsal with orchestra for my Guest Solo appearance with the Petersfield Orchestra for a performance of Saint-Saëns - Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor Op. 22. Although probably Saint-Saëns most popular concerto (a ‘Crackin’ Concerto’ !), it is at times a very intense and difficult concerto for both orchestra and pianist (perhaps one of the most!?) – but the rehearsal went exceptionally well – which itself bodes well for the performance at Petersfield’s Festival Hall next Thursday evening 24th March, as part of the overall Petersfield Music Festival. Also in the evening’s program is Schuman - Overture Scherzo & Finale; with the second half of Brahms - Symphony No. 4. But before the performance begins at 7:30pm – beginning an hour earlier at 6:30pm is a talk in the auditorium/hall about the evening’s music. Taking part will be the former voice of BBC Radio 3 Piers Burton-Page; Musical Director and Conductor Robin Browning; and myself. I’m told there are only a few tickets left for the whole evening - either tiered seating or ‘on-the-flat’– with it heading for a complete sell out. Remaining tickets can be obtained on-line at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/venueplan/RdiEJKhzXNnT (booking fee may apply) ; or in person at One Tree Books, 7 Lavant Street, Petersfield. For those with tickets already – and those who may yet get tickets – may I suggest being inside the auditorium well in advance to enjoy the pre-concert talk and discussion – which I’m sure will add to the evening’s atmosphere and enjoyment. (cheering, whooping, and other expressions of enjoyment much appreciated - !!) Hope to see and speak to as many of you as possible – though this might be difficult at times !! - Valentina |
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Exactly 3 years to the day since we arrived in Kiev, Ukraine - on our way to Lviv. ------------------ |
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Just come across this 'Teaser' from the French composer's website/YouTube Channel Corentin Boissier: Two Piano Concertos and a Sonata – TEASER ------------------ |
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Proud teacher moment at Southampton University
![]() ![]() ![]() Received my 1st Year undergraduate students and my M.Mus Performance students mid-year recital results - they all did fantastically well ... plus one of them got the highest score of all MMus Performance this semester.
Congratulations to all!
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February 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9th February - just been notified of this Facebook post ...... ------------------ |
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Just heard that Petersfield Music Festival and Petersfield Orchestra will publish this :- "The Petersfield Orchestra are delighted to welcome Valentina back as a soloist (on 24th March) after her acclaimed performances of the Grieg Piano Concerto in 2011 and Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini in 2017." If you'd like to be entertained for 30 or so minutes - here's the Grieg as it was on that night ------------------ |
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Just received - 'Hot Off The Press'.
Details of my forthcoming performance as soloist with the Petersfield Orchestra on Thursday 24th March at 7:30pm at Petersfield's Festival Hall in a performance of Saint-Saëns - Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 22 (described as probably his most popular concerto. Hint - there's a lot of piano in it
![]() Also in the programme is Schumann's Overture, Scherzo & Finale ; and Brahms Symphony No.4.
I'm told by the Orchestra that priority tickets are 'going like hot cakes' for the return of live music ; remaining tickets go on general sale from 7th February.
For those interested - even those with who might just be curious to see and hear how I handle a 60 piece backing group (don't be put off by the high and mighty sounding 'title' - it's great stuff !!) , make note of the booking details!
Come and enjoy an evening of fantastic live music. (whooping, and appreciation encouraged - in the right places of course ![]() |
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January 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Recorded Feb into March 2019 Lviv, Ukraine; and then Paris ; Naxos Germany in control of production ; the release much Covid delayed until summer this year - but finally international reviews are coming in - Germany, Italy, and obviously from UK, etc. ; all v. positive ; this one just in from USA - published in Fanfare Magazine, which presents itself as "the world's finest classical CD review magazine" . Scroll down this page to listen to samples of each track. ------------------ |
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December 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
A very Happy New Year to all. ------------------ |
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A very Merry Christmas to all. ------------------ |
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November 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Always in our hearts
![]() ![]() ![]() Винаги в сърцата ни!
![]() ![]() ![]() 01.02.1936 - 07.11.2021
Почивай в мир, Татко.и Дядо |
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Rest in peace, Dad. and Grandpa | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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October 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
I've been asked several times as to how the Lunchtime Recital given recently by Catherine Lawlor and myself in St.Thomas' Cathedral, Old Portsmouth, went.
There's an independent review published here:-
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Fantastic evening in prospect - as live music returns to the community Saturday 2 October 2021 At 19.30 at St Thomas’ Cathedral, Old Portsmouth Borodin Overture - Prince Igor Liszt Piano Concerto No 1 in Eb Soloist: Thomas Luke Winner of the Portsmouth Music Festival Concerto Award 2019 Winner of the keyboard category of the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2020 Dvorak Symphony 8 in G major ------------------ |
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September 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
A month of final rehearsing - preparing with Catherine Lawlor (Violin) for our live lunchtime recital at Portsmouth Cathedral on Thursday 30th September followed by more recording sessions in the Turner Simms Recital Hall at Southampton University for our forthcoming CD 'Myths and Legends' ------------------ |
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July 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Have been priviledged to take part in a sort of VLog/Podcast by Anthony Cheng. He's just published the results - which you can see at https://youtu.be/Hwc0o0IE4tk ------------------ |
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June 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Hello people - at long last my latest CD - number 14 ! - the one I made in Lviv, Ukraine, with the Ukrainian Festival Orchestra under Grammy winning conductor John McLaughlin Williams, and in a recording studio in Paris - just over 2 years ago, has finally been released. ------------------ |
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Amongst other places this is where I work https://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/departments/faculties/arts-and-humanities.page ------------------ |
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For those interested - you can see a clip of the making/recording of Corentin Boissier's 'Philip Marlowe Concerto' Here. ------------------ |
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May 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Released for worldwide distribution - today 7th May
Available in multi formats (CD, MP3, FLAC, HD WAV) on the ToccataClassics label here. Listen to sample(s) below :-Glamour Concerto (2012; orch. 2016) :
Piano Sonata No. 2, Appassionata (2015) :
Philip Marlowe Concerto (2013; rev. 2018) :
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April 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
B R E A K I N G N E W S :-
Just announced - my Covid delayed latest CD (Composer Corentin Boissier) - recorded 2 years ago in Lviv, Ukraine - worldwide release on 7th May, on the Toccata label, announced.
The original Recording Engineer's comments on the post recording processing and mastering - "the sound has a vinyl like quality" (a compliment!.)
An owner of another record company commented on hearing snippets - "have just listened to the excerpt - sent shivers down my spine - gorgeous playing as always."
To be released in various formats = CD, MP3, FLAC, HDWav.
You can hear extracts here ; including a download of the booklet - by clicking on link below.
https://toccataclassics.com/product/corentin-boissier-two-piano-concertos-and-a-sonata ------------------ |
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March 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Breaking News Just announced ! I've been invited, and have agreed, to be Guest Soloist with The Petersfield Orchestra next March as part of The Returning Petersfield Music Festival - March 2022 in a performance of Saint-Saëns - Piano Concerto No 2 in G minor, Op 22 Musical and Entertainment Life Returns to Normal !! (YAY !) ------------------ |
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1st of March - Spring just around the corner ; we hope !
![]() This month's video just uploaded.
New high definition video of a performance of Vladigeuroff's "Pesen/песен 'Song' Op 21 No 2 from December 2011 ; performed as a solo piece as an encore.
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February 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Although the decision has only just been made known at the last minute, it's no surprise to learn that the planned Lunch Time Recital of Catherine Lawler (Violin) and myself on this coming Thursday 25th February in the Anglican cathedral of Old Portsmouth, - has been cancelled due to Covid.
The performance will now take place on Thursday 30th September at 1:10pm - all being well.
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Just heard great news from one of my senior students.
He's notified me that he got a Distinction in his LTCL (Licentiate of Trinity College London) !
He can now add these letters after his name.
Amazing news ; and fantastically well done.
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Much regret - but Covid-19 issues push the release date of my latest CD "Corentin Boissier - Two Concertos and a Sonata", on the Toccata Classics label, recorded in Lviv, Ukraine 2 years ago, back to May. The final sound quality of the recordings has caught everybody's attention - with the original Ukrainian sound engineer enthusiasically describing the sound as "..vinyl like". ------------------ |
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January 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Well - the last of the my Autumn/Winter ABRSM student's results are in !!
Included are an incredible 5 - yes 5 - DISTINCTIONS!
No names - but you already know who you are!
It's fantastic reward for all the effort, practicing, and support from your parents - who all must be immensely proud too.
Well done everybody
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A couple of notable milestones passed within close proximity of each other in the last few days.
Both make me feel more than just a little humble.
A huge thankyou to everybody who’s been, and continues to be, part of it.
My Facebook ‘Concert Pianist’ page, now has 500 followers – whilst my YouTube channel has now more than 1/3rd of a million views.
Never thought it could/would happen when I first posted.
Thank You
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Have just been notified officially that both the Portsmouth Music Festival, and the Petersfield Music Festival, where I was to have a Solo Recital performance, have, not surprisingly, been cancelled as a consequence of the current Covid-19 situation.
It's of course too soon to know whether any replacement events might take place later in the year - but we all hope that with the current lockdown and at least 2 vaccine programmes under way that the situation may improve.
Stay safe everybody.
Valentina xx
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December 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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More amazing news from my students:
My wonderful student George, who recorded Rachmaninov's 2nd piano concerto over the summer (unfortunately his concert in London's Cadogan Hall was cancelled) has received the prestigious Margaret Irene Seymour Music Award at Oxford University, where he started studying Engineering in September
![]() ![]() ![]() Very proud teacher
![]() Още прексни новини от моите студенти:
Моят талантлив ученик George, който записа втория концерт за пиано на Рахманинов през лятото (за съжаление концертът му в лондонският „Cadogan Hall“ бе канселиран заради ковид19), получи престижната музикална награда „Маргарет Ирен Сеймур“ в Оксфордския университет, където започна да учи инженерство през септември
![]() ![]() ![]() Горд учител съм
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Absolutely delighted with my students ABRSM performance/digital exam
results this term - three distinctions and two merits.
Well done to everyone!
![]() So happy teacher
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November 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Flattered to receive this YouTube comment for one of my Debussy performances "Beautiful, Artistic, Expressive and Musical! Deserves more views and likes. Strange to see other mediocre performance of 'Clair de Lune' are more popular than this video. Performances from Classically trained musicians and teachers like Valentina deserves more appreciation and popularity. Thank you for posting this video."
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Just learned that the number of students assigned to me at Southampton University has jumped from 1 last year to 10 this !!! A mixture of Under Graduates - and Post Graduates !! ------------------ |
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October 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
From the Archives !! : Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff - (either 20th March or 1st April 1873 – 28th March 1943) was a most famous Russian composer, virtuoso pianist, and conductor of the late Romantic period. Many of his works have long been regarded as classics. ------------------ |
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September 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
1st of September - new academic year - and new Performance season! Am happy to announce that I've agreed to be Guest Soloist (again !!) with the Petersfield Orchestra next March (Thursday March 18th to be exact - subject to Corona virus of course) in a performance of Saint-Saëns' - Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor Op. 22 - (probably Saint-Saëns' most popular piano concerto). Also in the program will be Schuman - Overture Scherzo & Finale Brahms - Symphony No. 4. Hope you feel able - even at this early stage, to make a note and put it in your diary . ------------------ |
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August 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
May 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BREAKING NEWS! Well worth bookmarking and signing up for their Newsletter!. Also worth doing is signing up to their Twitter feed. https://musicinportsmouth.co.uk/noticeboard/profile-valentina-seferinova-pianist/ ------------------ |
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The consequences of CoronaVirus lockdown continue - and probably for the immediate foreseeable future! Since Easter quite a few more parents have signed up for on-line 1-2-1 sessions for their children ; it's now well over 30!! ------------------ |
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April 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Although suspected for some time since the greater outbreak of coronavirus - have just had it confirmed that my scheduled visit to be in a recording studio in France in late May/early June - with others, has now, unsurprisingly, been officially postponed by the sponsor until a later date ; possibly 'sometime in the autumn'. ------------------ |
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With all teaching establishments closed until further notice - probably for all of the summer term! With my husband's help - have turned my music room into an on-line teaching facility - with more than 30 of my students from various colleges and university wanting to participate in one-to-one sessions. But - oh - the days are long !!! ------------------ |
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March 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Rehearsing with Noah Chiari (Alto Sax) for last night's Hampshire Music Service show case concert in Winchfield. Some comments were - that 'we stole the show'!! |
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Saturday 7th March - 7:30pm - St. Thomas' Anglican Cathedral, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2HA I will be a member of the Solent Symphony Orchestra on the piano for the soloists participation. Programme Beethoven - Overture Leonora No 3 Canteloube - Songs from the Auvergne - Soloist: Lucy Cronin (soprano) Brahms - Symphony No 3
Tickets: £15, £5 (students), Kids for a Quid and group concessions On the door, online from Ticketsource or from 01730 601074 ------------------ |
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February 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
It's a sad farewell to a long term friendship of over 25+ years - as my much loved upright Blüthner, which we shipped all the way from Sofia on the back of a TIR/HGV on settling in the UK, goes on the back of a van - on its way to a new home. To be replaced next Tuesday by an almost new Irmler Studio Grand F172 - again by Blüthner - to join and match my existing Blüthner Grand. Sad - but Happy Days !! |
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For the astute observers amongst you (ha ha ! ), you may have noticed from my website that I've just added Saint-Saëns' "Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22" - probably his most popular piano concerto, to my Concertante repertoire. ------------------ |
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Plans for the year beginning to take on more shape. High degree of probability that I'll be back in France - again in a recording studio; in the late May/early June timeframe. CD number 15 is on the cards - subject to agreements. ------------------ |
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January 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Monday 27th January - Awards ceremony at Kings Theatre, Southsea. ..... and the Best Classical act award tonight went to Portsmouth Baroque Choir - well done, worthy winners ❤🎶👍 ------------------ |
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Sunday 26th January. Just accompanied my student George, performing beautifully Rachmaninoff 2nd piano concerto, 3rd movement for the Winchester Symphony Orchestra Young Soloist Competition 2020. ------------------ |
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Recently received, for the 2nd year in succession, an invite to attend and appear at this years 'World Piano Conference', organised by the 'World Piano Teachers Association' at the end of June and beginning of July.! ------------------ |
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10th January 2020 - Today at Southampton University - the Turner Sims Concert Hall (seating 600+) was my teaching room. A Fazioli Grand Piano (The 'Rolls Royce', the 'Creme de la Creme' of instruments) was my instrument for teaching on and practicing myself !!
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10th January : Tonight is a notable full moon - the 'Wolf Moon' also with a penumbral eclipse.
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< B R E A K I N G - N E W S > Details HERE. ------------------ |
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December 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
I wish everybody a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous 2020. Here's to good music in the coming year!!! :) ------------------ |
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Have been receiving lots of feedback from my latest Newsletter. ------------------ |
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B R E A K I N G - N E W S!!
The article is here = Portsmouth News. You can vote Here ------------------ |
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I know it's still a while yet 'til Christmas - but a date for your diary ? And I also will be accompanying a saxophonist ! |
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November 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Just been notified of a very favourable French website review of my CD No. 12 - recorded in Warsaw in June of last year.
The full website is http://www.leducation-musicale.com/newsletters/breves0919.html#cd1
Scroll down until you see 'Ludomir Róźycki - Piano Works 2' CD image. I've translated each paragraph as follows (and am very happy with the final sentence !! :) :) ) Voici une nouvelle réalisation en première mondiale à l’actif du Label polonais ACTE PRÉALABLE et de son dynamique directeur Jan A. Jarnicki. C’est au tour du compositeur Ludomir ROZYCKI, né à Varsovie en 1883 et mort à Katowice en 1953, membre — comme, par exemple, Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937) — du mouvement artistique « Jeune Pologne » promouvant également l’art national, bien que manifestement influencé par l’impressionnisme français. Si son talent a joué à plein dans le domaine du poème symphonique, le volume 2 continue à exhumer son vaste corpus pianistique. ------------------ |
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It can be quite surprising sometimes how unexpectedly one's personal life and professional life can become entwined! Particularly when ones reputation goes before! ------------------ |
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I know it's still a while yet 'til Christmas - but a date for your diary ? ------------------ |
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October 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
O M G !! ........... I've just seen this !!
The opening iconic whip crack heralded an outstanding performance. The first movement fizzed along with stand out solos from the piccolo, trumpet, horn, harp, and a triumphant bassoon section but the breathtaking piano cadenza was the highlight. Many in the audience couldn’t help themselves in acknowledging the excitement of this movement with a spontaneous round of applause as it came to a ferocious full stop. The sublime opening of the slow movement perfectly reflected the ethereal setting and Ms. Seferinova’s control of the tranquil and serene piano solo brought about an atmosphere of celestial beauty. The peace and calm were symbiotically supported by the sensitivity of the solo flute entry and the haunting cor anglais melody. With the exquisite final pianissimo piano trill, Valentina brought this movement to a poignant and emotionally-charged close. The last movement once more gives the full orchestra the chance to shine and the atmospheric, jazz-like episodes, shared between piano and ensemble, promote the enjoyment for which this piece is so well known. Valentina’s perfectly presented virtuosic passages brought the first half to a vibrant and celebratory culmination." Read the full review here :- Music in Portsmouth ------------------ |
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Last Saturday (28th Sept.) night's performance of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major - very well received ! In fact the whole evening was. ------------------ |
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September 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Just noticed this FaceBook post by somone who attended the Gala Concert I participated in last night !! ------------------ |
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Just received this publicity ... ------------------ |
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Having lost some close family and friends to Cancer I feel it's my duty to support a concert in aid of Rowan's Hospice Silver Jubilee Appeal. In addition to being asked to accompany Rachel Newberry in a Premier Performance of composer James Smith's new piece for Flute and Piano entitled 'Papilio' at St. Peter's Church, Petersfield on Saturday evening 14th September, I will be performing a solo piano piece of my own choice. I've chosen Pancho Vladigueroff's 'песен/Pesen (Song/Chant) op. 21 No 2' - a rare outing for this greatly loved piece ! :) There's a YouTube video of the time I played this as an encore to an Orchestral audience in 2015.
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August 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
GCSE Results Day !! ------------------ |
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Returned from holiday to find this phone message from one of my junior students who'd just learned she'd achieved a Distinction in her Grade 6 results !
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July 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sneak preview of 2nd Movement (Adagio Assai - very slow) of last Saturday evening's Ravel 'Piano Concerto in G Major' with the Brunel Sinfonia.
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The only tickets are likely to be returns or 'no-shows' : maybe worth trying on the door on the night ! Or contact them to be put on the reserve list for any returns. Boxoffice@luminosamusic.com |
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Brunel Sinfonia tweet :- 0 replies . 5 retweets 6 likes ------------------ |
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June 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Full orchestral program just announced for Solent Symphony Orchestra's Saturday 28th September concert - where I'll be soloist for Ravel's 'Piano Concerto in G major' at St. Thomas' Cathedral, Old Portsmouth. ------------------ |
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Just received publicity info. for my Saturday 13th July evening at St. Peter's Church, Petersfield .... For more info see my website 'Engagements' page. |
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Just caught up with this Tweet doing the rounds .... ------------------ |
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Honoured to be involved. ------------------ |
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Am very happy to mention and promote 2 performance dates involving Jessica Gale, one of my former South Downs College students - who went on to graduate from Surrey University ; and also achieved her 'LRSM' ! ------------------ |
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May 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Not yet received any notifications of any 'formal' reviews - but received this unsolicited message from a colleague who had an early copy of my recently released CD number 12:- ------------------ |
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I feel so privileged, honoured and humbled...
More about Stephen Hough here and here. Here are variations 16, 17, and 18 played Two Pianos/4 Hands - https://youtu.be/iopksG1h6jM and the hauntingly beautiful and famous Variation 18 only - https://youtu.be/vc-RZ2YuLFQ
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April 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
It had been a long tiring intensive recording session (in Paris) to capture Corentin Boissier's "Sonata Appassionata". ------------------ |
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My latest CD is out!! ------------------ |
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March 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Music Exam and Grade results coming in thick and fast at the moment ! It's a fantastically well done to my student Kendra on achieving a maximum 30 out of 30 for the Performance element of her GCSE Music exam. Brilliant ! ------------------ |
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Proud teacher and Diploma student George, after last night's concert with the Solent Symphony Orchestra in Portsmouth and their "Sketches of Spain" program ! |
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Some snippets of my recording Corentin Boissier's 'Glamour Concerto' with the Ukrainian Festival Orchestra, Conductor & Grammy Award winner John McLaughlin Williams, in Lviv, Ukraine at the end of February/beginning of March. Not all 'takes' are successful ! ...
... but fortunately many are !! :) :)
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Whilst I was away in the Ukraine, Edward Chyczewski reminded me that 1st of March was the anniversary of the birth of Frederick Chopin (209 years ago) So here to commemorate is a public performance I gave in 2012 of one of his most famous pieces - Fantaisie in F minor op 49.
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February 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BREAKING NEWS. ------------------ |
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Congratulations to my piano student Liam on achieving his ATCL Diploma! |
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I am the Piano lecturer/music performance teacher/instructor at Havant & South Downs College's award winning Music Department. ------------------ |
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January 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Just come across these French Newspaper cuttings of 20 years ago about myself and colleague Prof. Emilia Mihaylova - now sadly departed. And our appearance & performance at Claude Debussy House & Museum, St. Germain-en-Laye, Paris, in 1999 on the anniversary of his birth - a rare honour to be invited for this annual anniversary concert. Will be making a professional re-visit to Paris - probably in April this year. Yup - that's me bottom left in the first one ; and to the right in the second !! |
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Spent the afternoon in a 3-way Skype rehearsal with myself here in Hampshire, the French composer Corentin Boissier (on the right of the lap-top screen) in Paris, and the Grammy Award winning conductor John McLaughlin Williams (on the left) in the USA. !! Heidi the dog took it all in her stride !!
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It's going to be a very busy year - but am very much looking forward to it !! ------------------ |
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