Ludmila Boncheva (1947 - 2020) - soprano
Mariana Boncheva (1947 – 2008) - mezzosoprano
Stephan Trayanov - cembalo
Artistic biography of Bulgarian vocal duo ''Bonchevi''.
The singers Ludmila and Mariana Bonchevi have started their musical career at age of 7, as soloists at the famous children's choir ''Bodra smiana''. Later, they study at the Bulgarian Music Academy, in Dora Mutaphova's vocal class. After finishing their education with highest grades, they attend additional 2 years specialization of opera singing, at the Academy. In 1972, they are hired in Sofia National Opera, where they work as soloists till 1993. In 1974, the twin-sisters have their first performance as a vocal ensemble, at the prestigious music festival ''March musical days'', in the town of Ruse. They perform duets, written especially for them, from the Bulgarian composers Lyubomir Pipkov and Dimitur Tupkov. Very essential for the worldwide success of the duo is their collaboration though the years, with the pianists and harpsichordists Stephan Trayanov, Teodora Nestorova, Yavor Dimitrov and Milena Triphonova. The duo has been working also with quartet ''Sliven'', quartet "Eolina", quartet "Vulchev", "Symphonieta" Orchestra, Chamber music collegium and various Bulgarian symphonic orchestras. Under the influence of the famous then pianist and professor Bogomil Sturshenov, Trio ''Ars Classica'' - two voices and piano is born. Repertoire of the sisters includes duets from 17's and 18's century composers, German music from classic and romantic era, French, Hungarian, Slavonic, Russian and contemporary Bulgarian authors. More then 20 years the duo is recording in Sofia Radio and Bulgarian television, and they have 2 records with chamber and opera duets, released from the label ''Balkanton'' . Trio ''Ars Classica'' has been on concert tours in Italy, France, Belgium, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Poland and China.
