Borislava iltcheva,
concertmaster
Dr. Borislava Iltcheva is a celebrated violinist and educator, renowned for her exceptional talent and dedication to the art of music. Her journey began at the age of five, culminating in a robust academic foundation that includes a Bachelor's degree from the Bulgarian National Academy, followed by a Master's and Doctoral degrees in violin performance from Louisiana State University, and a post-doctorate from Indiana University. Throughout her studies, Dr. Iltcheva was mentored by prominent musicians such as Alexander Iltchev, Evgenia Maria Popova, Kevork Mardirossian, and Mauricio Fuks.
Currently, Dr. Iltcheva holds the esteemed position of Concertmaster for the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and serves as the Around-the-World assistant to Professor Mauricio Fuks at Indiana University. In 2021, she joined the faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi as Adjunct Faculty, and in 2023, she was appointed Assistant Professor of Violin, where she nurtures both graduate and undergraduate violin students.
Dr. Iltcheva's talent has been recognized in numerous national and international competitions, including the "Closter ShΓΆntal" International Violin Competition, the MTNA Chamber Music Competition, the LSU Deans Concerto Competition, and the "Saverio Mercadante" International Competition. As a versatile performer, she has graced stages around the globe, collaborating with orchestras such as the Louisiana Sinfonietta, Baton Rouge Symphony, Acadiana Symphony, Thessalonica Camerata, and Chengdu Symphony Orchestra. Her performances span Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the United States, with notable appearances at Carnegie Hall, including a sold-out concert featuring a world premiere in 2024.
In Spring 2025, Dr. Iltcheva performed the Sibelius Violin Concerto in Peru, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States. In August 2025, she became a faculty member of the International String Academy in Hummelburg, Germany, and during the 2025-2026 season, she plans to record Vaughan Williams's "Lark Ascending" for a CD featuring music for violin and organ.
An internationally sought-after teacher, Dr. Iltcheva frequently conducts masterclasses worldwide, inspiring the next generation of violinists. Her students have achieved remarkable success, winning accolades at prestigious competitions such as the Rudolpho Lipitzer International Violin Competition, the Mirecourt International Violin Competition, and the Stuttgart International Violin Competition. With masterclasses held in the United States, Brazil, Germany, Poland, Turkey, Greece, and China, Dr. Iltcheva continues to make a significant impact on the global music community.