Theodosii Spassov
Composer and kaval virtuoso Theodosii Spassov’s unique compositions and cross-cultural style have unleashed a whole new genre of music upon audiences across the world.

"His work on the kaval was nothing short of pure genius."
~ Howard Rovics

Harnessing one of the oldest instruments in Europe, rich in tone and technical possibility, Theodosii Spassov garners international renown for his unique symphonic compositions and style, entwining traditional folk sounds with jazz, fusion, pop and classical music.

Born on March 4, 1961, Theodosii began studying the kaval at an early age at the Kotel Music School and The Academy of Music and Dance in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. His original film scores and artful performances (both as a soloist and as part of the eponymous Theodosii Spassov Trio and Quintet) have captivated audiences around the world for the last 30 years.

In his home country of Bulgaria, Theodosii is regarded a national figure and musical hero. In 2015, he was officially designated a UNESCO Artist for Peace.

"…like a jam session between Ian Anderson and Thelonius Monk"
~ Chicago Tribune

Awards

UNESCO Artist for Peace, 2015
"Golden Age” for contribution to Bulgarian culture, 2011
"Dobri Chintulov” for culture activity, 2009
"Artist Of Salon Des Arts” , 2007
National Film Centre Annual Awards-”Best film music composer”, 2006
"Music Artist of the Year” at the National Music Awards, 1997 and 2002
Apollo Toxophoros for sparkling contribution to Bulgarian music, 2001
The International Academy of Arts in Paris Award, 1996
The Special Prize of Detroit Flute Festival, 1994

Music for Motion Pictures

"La Corsa dell’Innocene", Carlo Siliotto, Musician
"An Italian Story", Ennio Morricone, Musician
"The Warden of the Dead People", Composer
"Follow Me", Composer
"Katalii", Composer
"Gori, gori, oganche", Composer
"Vesta", Composer
"Granitsa", Composer

Notable Collaborations

Billy Cobham, Glen Moore, Ennio Morricone, Glen Velez, Ivo Papazov, Milcho Leviev, Dave Liebman, Trilok Gurtu, Kazumi Watanabe, Glen Velez, Yldiz Ibrahimova, Vlatko Stefanovski, Kristjan Jarvi, Vesselin Nikolov, Acoustic Version, Dimitrios Vassilakis, Andy Sheppard, Jamey Haddad, Albert Mangelsdorf, Mark Johnson, Rabih Abou-Khalil, Matt Darriau, Boyan Zulfikarpasic, Dionisis Savopulos, Paul McCandless, The Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Riverdance, "Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares", Trio "Bulgarka, Jazz Linia