ALEXANDER POKIDCHENKO, piano JASSEN TODOROV, violin

Alexander Pokidchenko, piano & Jassen Todorov, violin perform works by Beethoven, Faure, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin.

Described as “…one of the most talented composers…” Alexander Pokidchenko is a dynamic and multifaceted performer, composer, arranger and singer. He has presented solo and collaborative recitals in Europe (Russia, Ukraine, Portugal, Germany, Austria, France, Bulgaria) and the United States. In addition to performing, he often recites poems by Pushkin, Balmont, Chekhov, Henri as well as Indian and Persian poetry. Born in Rostov on Don, Russia, Mr. Pokidchenko graduated from the Tchaikovsky Music Conservatory in Moscow, studying composition with Chulaki and Nikolaev. Top prize winner of several national and international competitions, Mr. Pokidchenko served as the author and anchorman of a TV show called “With love to Music” and in 2007 was awarded the title of “Honored” Artist of the Russian Federation. Currently he is a member of the Russian Composers’ Union. 

Jassen Todorov has distinguished himself as one of the most prominent violinists of his generation. Dubbed “an outstanding violinist…a player to watch” by the British music journal The Strad, Mr. Todorov has given numerous performances throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. A top prize winner of several national and international competitions, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Harid Conservatory, Florida, and his master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. Currently, Mr. Todorov is a Professor of Violin at San Francisco State University. He is also an accomplished photographer and the Grand Prize Winner of the 2018 National Geographic Photo Contest. His images have been published by numerous magazines and newspapers, and have been exhibited at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the Somerset House in London and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. An active pilot, he holds a Commercial Pilot’s License and Flight Instructor Certificate.