Ms. Zakarian’s interest in contemporary music for solo percussion and modern chamber groups springs from an early age. In 1989, after winning first prize in the “Obretenov” competition, the most prestigious in Bulgaria, she played in a cycle of concerts in Germany. She has played with Bulgarian national orchestras, has appeared on television, and has made various radio recordings. In April 1993, Sylvie made her British radio debut on the BBC’s “Classic FM”, and a year later in November 1994 she performed a recital on BBC Radio 3’s “Young Artist’s Forum”.
Ms. Zakarian studied at the Bulgarian Academy of Music and completed a postgraduate course at the Royal College of Music, in London. There, she won the solo prize for percussion and was awarded the ARCO scholarship given by the Good Offices of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. During her three years in the U.K., Ms. Zakarian played in a number of prestigious venues including the Royal Overseas League, Chelsea Festival, and English Speaking Union. In the spring of 1995, Sylvie was invited back to London to present master classes and lecture recitals at the Royal College of Music, the Purcell School, and the Berkshire Young Musicians’ Trust.
Ms. Zakarian’s solo career brought her to the United States in 1994 to study with the renowned marimba soloist Nancy Zeltsman. She graduated with honors from the Boston Conservatory in May of 1996 with a master’s degree in marimba performance.
Studies at Bulgarian Academy of Music and Royal College of Music, London; M.M., Boston Conservatory. Recitals at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall Theater, Wilshire Ebell Theater, Regis College Theater; and Berklee Performance Center in Boston. Soloist of the National Academy of Music orchestra in Bulgaria, the Ensemble for Contemporary Music at the Royal College of Music in London, the Royal Overseas League, and the Chelsea Festival. Appearances on the BBC’s “Classic FM” and BBC Radio 3’s “Young Artist’s Forum.” Former faculty: Prodigy Music Program, Boston Conservatory Division of Special Programs, Berklee College of Music. Faculty: Longy School of Music.