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How tiring is this to the body?

It depends on the performer. I spare nothing when I play. For me, nothing is too much in music.

This is an interesting question, because little is done in relation to the physical condition of musicians. Perhaps due to the fact that funds are limited. But this is a kind of athleticism and many physiotherapists have told me that if I were an athlete who makes the same effort that I make while playing the violoncello I would travel everywhere with a physiotherapist.

The risk of injury is great and you must know your body and be aware when it reaches its limit.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like football. Unfortunately, I have not played for a long time because I am busy with concerts. But I intend to find some time to play football.

When I come back to Bulgaria during the holidays, I have more spare time and play football, snooker there. I also love to watch football.

What are your next plans?

The concerts in this programme are 18. We were in Vienna, Baden-Baden, Paris, Amsterdam and other nice places. In May, I will perform works by Dvorak in concert with the London Symphony Orchestra. I am looking forward to it, because concerts are my strong point. Recitals are much more difficult because they are much longer and lonelier. There is no orchestra behind you to bear responsibility. A recital involves a few participants who are jointly responsible for the outcome. While it is different during a concert, the soloist is at the pedestal. Furthermore, it ends much faster. The person is alone on the stage during a recital and it is much more difficult to keep the audience's attention for so long. I have attended many recitals at which I was dying of boredom. Concerts are much more effective, the audience reacts very strongly. But here comes the issue of experience. I have performed more in concerts than in recitals, but after this year, their number will be equal.

Therefore, this season is quite busy. The next is still being arranged at present. I also participate in a piano trio, which for now plays mainly in England but concerts in Europe are in store too.

How do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope to be alive and playing. There was a time when I wanted to play anywhere, anytime and with anyone, but since then my views have changed a lot and now somehow the level of playing and the people with whom I work are more important to me. I hope to be a wanted and concert musician, to continue to develop, maintain my level, and practise as much as now.