Alexander Ilchev

MSO is proud to introduce Alexander Ilchev as our new concertmaster. This internationally acclaimed violinist brings a bold, expressive style and deep musical insight to the stage. We’re excited to have him lead the way in Season 81!

“We are thrilled by the addition of Sasha (Alexander) Ilchev to MSO’s family of musicians. He will undoubtedly bring great leadership and a wonderful spirit to his position as concertmaster and I genuinely look forward to collaborating with him.”

– Crafton Beck, Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Conductor

Alexander Ilchev is a Bulgarian violinist who has a wide ranging repertoire from Baroque to Contemporary music. His musicianship is greatly influenced by his father, Professor Alexander Petrov Ilchev. He was introduced to contemporary music at a young age and has developed an interest in the genre and he takes a virtuosic approach to performing this music. In 2021 Ilchev premiered and recorded Trio Concertante and Konzertstück for Solo Violin by Vassil Kazandzhiev.

He has performed at multiple notable venues that include the Chamber Hall Bulgaria, Library of Congress, Carnegie Hall and more. After performing at Carnegie Hall, listeners have lauded Ilchev’s performance as appearing to be “improvisatory”.

Ilchev has won multiple competitions and as a soloist he performed Bach’s Double Concerto for Two Violins and concertos by Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Sibelius.

He currently holds the Concertmaster position at the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. He is also the Assistant Concertmaster at the Baton Rouge Symphony.

Ilchev has attended violin master classes led by Gil Shaham, Vadim Repin, Shlomo Mintz, Kevork Mardirossian, Albena Danailova and Svetlin Roussev.

He has 2 masters degrees from Bulgaria and the United States. He attended the Jacobs School of Music and finished his Performance diploma with Professor Simin Ganatra.