VBF 2025

VANGUEL TANGAROV, Clarinet

Dr. Vanguel Tangarov is an Associate Professor of Clarinet at Texas State University and the Artistic Director and Founder of the annual international clarinet event, the Texas State Clarinet Fiesta. Tangarov also holds the position of Principal Clarinetist with the Austin Opera, Mid-Texas Symphony, and Victoria Symphony Orchestras.
Prior to his current roles, Tangarov served as the Principal Clarinetist of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra in Bulgaria (1993-1998), the Academia Chigiana Symphony Orchestra in Italy (1993-1997), the Jeunesses Musicales World Symphony Orchestra in Germany (1993-1994), and the Monterrey Symphony Orchestra (OSUANL) in Mexico (1998-2004). He has distinguished himself as a soloist, performing with orchestras such as the Györ Symphony in Hungary, the Mid-Texas Symphony in the USA, the Plovdiv Philharmonic, the Rousse Philharmonic, the Varna Philharmonic, and the Sofia Philharmonic in Bulgaria, as well as the Constanta Philharmonic in Romania, the Monterrey Symphony (OSUANL), and Monterrey Chamber Orchestra in Mexico. His repertoire includes works by composers such as Mozart, Weber, Copland, Jean Françaix, Cimarosa, Giampieri, Bernstein, Pipkov, and Artie Shaw.
Tangarov's illustrious career has taken him to over 20 countries across four continents, earning him acclaim from critics and audiences alike. He is equally renowned as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician and has graced prestigious venues worldwide, including the Berliner Philharmoniker Hall (Berlin), Gewandhaus (Leipzig), Schauspielhaus (Berlin), Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Oslo Konserthaus (Norway), Cadogan Hall (London), Symphony Hall Birmingham (UK), Boston Symphony Hall (USA), Bulgaria Hall (Sofia), and Zaragoza Hall (Spain), among others.
Tangarov's journey in music began with studies under the guidance of Dimitar Boyanov at the Dobrin Petkov Music High School for gifted students in his native country. He continued his education at the National Academy of Music "Prof. Pancho Vladigerov" in Sofia, Bulgaria, where he earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in clarinet performance, studying under the tutelage of the renowned pedagogue and concert artist, Petko Radev, a former Principal Clarinetist of Teatro Alla Scala in Milan, Italy. Tangarov further honed his skills by completing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at The University of Texas at Austin, under the mentorship of Richard MacDowell. He also received instruction from esteemed musicians like Aurelian Octav Popa in Romania and Gerald Pahinger, the Principal Clarinetist of the Vienna Symphony.
Tangarov's solo appearances have left a lasting impression on audiences, including recitals at the 2018/2022 Neo-Path International Festival, the 2022/2023 VIMA Grand Strand Music Festival in Myrtle Beach, SC, and the 10th Anniversary Season Bulgarian Concert Evenings in New York in 2015. He has also participated in numerous International Clarinet Fests in 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014, and 2010, held in Denver, CO, Reno, NV, Knoxville, TN, Ostende, Belgium, Orlando, FL, Lawrence, KS, Baton Rouge, LA, and Austin, TX. In addition, he performed at the opening ceremony of the 2014 International Plovdiv Chamber Music Competition in Bulgaria. His artistry can be heard on recordings as the Principal Clarinetist in a Naxos Label recording titled "Circus Maximus" by John Corigliano with The University of Texas at Austin Wind Ensemble, as well as on Harmonia Mundi Label recordings such as "Samuel Barber: An American Romantic" and the 2017 GRAMMY-nominated "Craig Hella Johnson: Considering Matthew Shepard." He has also contributed to the soundtrack of the movie "Knight of Cups," directed by Terrence Malick, in addition to more than 10 other recordings.
Throughout his career, Tangarov has received numerous accolades and prizes in both national and international clarinet competitions, including the Prague Spring International Competition in 1996 (6th place overall), the United Nations International Clarinet Competition in Portugal in 1994 (4th place overall), the First International Clarinet Competition in Romania in 1993 (2nd prize), "The Music and the Earth" International Chamber Music Competition in Bulgaria in 1993 (3rd prize), the Bulgarian National Clarinet Competition for French Music in 1997 (1st prize), the Brahms Academy Competition for Chamber Music in Bulgaria in 1993 (2nd prize), the Bulgarian National Radio-Mozart Chamber Music Competition in 1991 (1st prize with a clarinet quintet), and the Bulgarian National Clarinet Competition in 1990 (1st prize).
Vanguel Tangarov proudly represents Buffet Crampon & Vandoren as a Performing Artist and Clinician, exclusively performing with Buffet Crampon, Paris clarinets and Vandoren Paris products.