Mincho Minchev

Mincho Minchev (born 1950), the most famous Bulgarian violin player. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Minchev and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1982 / Mincho Minchev / Solioist from Sophia playing Concerto No 5 in A minor for Violin and Orchestra by Niccolo Paganini."

Minchev, is a student of Professor Emil Kamilarov, himself laureate of 'Wieniawski '52', and member of the jury of the Poznań competitions. The Bulgarian government bought a Stradivari instrument for its 'representative' virtuoso. Minchev combines a soloist career (he has made several recordings) with educational work (Professorship at German academies).

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.