Kiril Kutin

Kiril Kutin is the esteemed founder and director of the Stavanger International Piano Festival. He holds the distinguished positions of Artistic Director and CEO of "Kutin Konsert Forening," showcasing his extensive expertise in the cultural sector as an organizer, project manager, production manager, producer, tour manager, and technical manager.

As a Bulgarian-born Norwegian pianist, Kiril boasts a prolific career as an active soloist and recitalist, having captivated audiences across Europe, the Middle East, Scandinavia, and notable venues in the USA such as Houston, Austin, Washington DC and New York. Beyond his solo endeavors, Kiril finds fulfillment in collaborative performances with classical and contemporary instrumentalists, composers, singers, and dancers, enriching the cultural landscape with his diverse artistry.

Kiril's musical journey commenced at the National School of Music “Lubomir Pipkov” in Sofia, Bulgaria, where he excelled with a gold medal. He further honed his craft, earning a Master’s degree in Piano from the Bulgarian State Conservatory in 2001, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Piano Performance from the University of Stavanger in 2018. Throughout his education, Kiril benefited from the guidance of esteemed mentors such as Emilia Kaneva, Prof. Mihail Slavov, Prof. Stella Dimitrova-Maistorova, and Prof. Erling Ragnar Eriksen.

In pursuit of artistic excellence, Kiril participated in master classes led by world-renowned musicians, including Walter Craft, Solomon Mikowsky, Boris Bloch, Marialena Fernandez, Daniel Röhm, Chantal Stigliani, and Karl-Heinz Kammerling. His exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous accolades, including first prizes at prestigious international competitions such as the “Bach” Competition in Bulgaria, the Obretenov Competition, and the International Competition for Instrumentalists and Composers Music and Earth.

Complementing his performance career, Kiril is deeply committed to education, sharing his knowledge through piano and chamber music masterclasses around the world. His teaching engagements have taken him to esteemed music conservatories and academies in Europe and Asia, enriching the next generation of musicians with his expertise and passion for music.