When Velichka Minkova (’08) entered AUBG as a Business Administration and Political Science and International Relations student, she couldn’t even imagine the transformative career shift that lay ahead of her. It must have been the sweet-sounding call of AUBG’s choir that enveloped her into the world of classical music.
Today, she boasts a career as a professional classical singer, having journeyed through the musical realms of Sofia, Brussels, and beyond. As a guest soloist, Minkova charms the audience at the State Opera Varna, she is preparing a role as a guest soloist at Sofia Opera and Ballet, and is set to participate in a medley of artistic ventures in Sofia, Varna, Balchik.
But before gracing the stages, Minkova concocted her musical destiny in the melodious laboratory of the AUBG Choir, under the guidance of conductor Professor Hristo Krotev.
A love for the AUBG choir
AUBG not only prepared Minkova for a career in marketing through the Integrated Marketing Communications minor, but it also ignited in her the love for music – a passion that later on turned into a newfound professional path.
“My first encounter with classical singing was exactly in AUBG’s mixed choir, where I sang for four years. Here, I discovered my classical voice,” shares Minkova.
Meeting Professor Hristo Krotev, whom she describes as “a highly accomplished musician and an outstanding choir director”, predetermined her budding career that flourished many years later. She took private lessons with him and participated in numerous choir concerts in Albania, Greece, Budapest, as well as solo performances. “It was a truly amazing journey into classical music, thanks to the distinguished conductor we had in his name,” she shares.
Minkova speaks highly of Professor Krotev and his approach to teaching music. “I believe his influence played a role in my decision, years later, to take the leap and pursue a completely different path.”
The transition from marketing to a music career
“Music was always on the back of my mind, and I would occasionally entertain the idea of pursuing it professionally,” she admits.
It was her move to Brussels with her family for the husband’s career that gave this idea momentum.
“I wanted to make a meaningful use of my time, so I decided to be brave and try to become a professional singer,” shares the alumna. And bold she was – Minkova aimed straight for the stars, applying to the Royal Conservatory of Brussels.
“I believe my decision was largely shaped by the mindset AUBG instilled in us. We were taught to be brave, to dare, to challenge the status quo, and to think outside the box,” she shares.
She was accepted into the Royal Conservatory of Brussels in the class of prof. Lena Lootens, crediting her AUBG education and the choir experience for giving her a strong foundation. “I did not start from scratch – I already had reached a certain level through my development in the choir,” she shares. Minkova also took private lessons in Sofia with prof. Mila Dyulgerova to further refine her skills.
Scaling the musical heights
Her education at the Conservatory was demanding, but she was well-prepared to face those academic challenges. She recalls: “AUBG teaches students how to handle a heavy workload, think critically, and manage their time efficiently. These qualities helped me navigate the challenges of the Conservatory with ease compared to my peers.”
Minkova graduated with distinction with majors in Political Science and International Relations / Business Administration and a minor in Integrated Marketing Communications, which proved invaluable. After graduating, she worked at a communications agency in Sofia and later at a national TV station, gaining experience that would later help her as musician.
Now that she’s taking her first steps as a professional classical signer, she finds her marketing and management skills essential in navigating the “quieter”, business side of the industry.
“It’s a slow process, but I’m effectively using the skills I gained at AUBG and in my career in management. I’m my own PR and artist manager,” she shares while emphasizing the importance of adaptability and soft skills. “Fortunately, AUBG excels at developing these skills, which are valuable in any field.”
For the past few years, Minkova has been performing as a soloist with the chamber music ensemble of Royal Conservatory of Brussels and as a member of the Flemish Radio Choir. She has also participated in concerts with various lied duos and chamber music ensembles in Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruge. As a guest soloist, she is set to take part in the summer opera festival at State Opera Varna and is currently preparing a role at the Sofia Opera and Ballet. She is anticipating collaborative projects spanning Sofia, Italy, Balchik, and Varna, featuring both opera and chamber music repertoire. In June, Minkova will present German lied repertoire alongside pianist Veneta Neynska as part of the concert cycle “Concert with a story”.
Finding love and friendship in the AUBG community
For Minkova, AUBG has truly foretold her career and fortunate destiny. It is in the university’s choir that she met her husband, with whom she later moved to Brussels and pursued her dream in the Conservatory.
AUBG also gave her lifelong friendships. “We still keep in touch simply because we share the same value system that AUBG instilled in us. It continues to connect people,” she says with gratitude.
Her advice to current students is to nurture their relationships with professors and peers and to engage with communities.
“This is not only an investment in your education but also a personal and a professional network that lasts a lifetime.”
