Bulgarian-born pianist Ivan Yanakov was a winner of ARTISTS INTERNATIONAL DEBUT WINNERS SERIES in New York City. He was awarded a fully sponsored solo debut recital at Carnegie's Recital Hall in October 2001.

Mr. Yanakov is also winner of numerous international piano competitions. His performances have been heard to a critical acclaim on three continents, including in France, Japan, Italy, Russia, South Korea, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and throughout the United States.
The pianist received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the Mannes College of Music New York City.

In 1989, along with other Bulgarian musicians, Mr. Yanakov was selected by the Bulgarian Government to represent his country in concerts at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest.

His concerts were broadcast live a number of times from the Los Angeles Museum of Art by WUSC Radio Station; from the 2002 Apolonia Music Festival in Bulgaria throughout Europe and North America via satellite, just to mention a few. Additionally, his performances were aired by a number of radio and TV stations in five American cities, Hungary, and Bulgaria. Since 2003, he frequently records at the Bulgarian National Radio, by their invitation.

The artist performs regularly in Italy where he has given more than 150 concerts. His recent performances include a recital debut in Vienna, as well as solo recitals and performances with orchestras in France, Germany, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, concert tours in Japan in 2004, 2006 and 2008, and concerts and master classes in South Korea. The pianist also played two major recitals in Paris as part of festivities honoring the world-renowned pianist Alexis Weissenberg. Engagements for the 2008/2009 season include a concert tour in Japan, as well as concerts in Russia, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Bulgaria.

In September 2007, Mr. Yanakov appeared as a special guest with Sarajevo Philharmonic, performing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue for a gala concert in honor of the U.S. Ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was given the Recognition of Excellence by NATO's chief commander in Bosnia.

Mr. Yanakov is the Music Director and Co-founder of the Italian Siena Belcanto music festival, as well as of the upcoming London Piano Summer festival.