ON THIS DAY | Violinist Vasco Abadjiev Died in 1978

He is remembered as one of the finest violinists of the 20th Century, particularly noted for his interpretations of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and Niccolò Paganini

 

Bulgarian violin virtuoso Vasco Abadjiev sadly died on this day in 1978, aged 52.

Recognized as a child prodigy at the age of six, he was a sensation at his first international debut in Vienna in June 1932.

When he was nine years old, Abadjiev received his secondary school diploma and soon after left with his parents to Brussels, Belgium.

He was the first prize winner at the VI International Violin Competition in Liège and received a gold medal from King Leopold III, whom he visited in the palace.

When he was 13 years old, he graduated from the Brussels Conservatoire with the highest distinction, which led to a concert tour around Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, and Sweden.

He was awarded the highest distinction for culture in Bulgaria before he returned to Germany after 1956. Following the loss of his beloved mother in 1965, his deep sadness led to several misfortunes including a car accident, illnesses, financial problems, as well as loneliness, alcoholism, and depression.

Abadjiev was found dead on the city railway in Hamburg, where he tragically took his own life.

 

VASCO ABADJIEV & PANCHO VLADIGEROV | SARASATE | INTRODUCTION & TARANTELLA | 1952