Ralitsa Tcholakova is an internationally recognized, award-winning Canadian violinist and violist known for her rich tone, expressive depth, and commitment to contemporary and underrepresented voices in classical music. She holds a Master’s Degree from the State Academy of Music in Bulgaria and a Diploma from the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Vienna, studying in the class of Prof. Michael Frischenschlager. During her studies, she was a recipient of a prestigious scholarship from the Austrian Ministry of Culture.
Tcholakova has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and festival artist in more than 25 countries, and has appeared with orchestras across Europe and North America. She has been recognized for her artistic contributions through nominations for both the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts (2018) and the Governor General’s Persons Case Award (2017).
Her discography includes several acclaimed recordings. Ballad of the North—featuring works by Canadian women composers—was distributed by SOCAN to 135 radio stations worldwide. Remembered Voices, released on the Carleton Sound label in collaboration with Dr. Elaine Keillor (Order of Canada), was praised by The Whole Note as “an excellent CD.” Her album Aboriginal Inspirations, featuring multiple GRAMMY Award-winner Ron Korb, is promoted globally by the Canadian Music Centre and NAXOS.
Tcholakova has performed annual recital programs at the Parliament of Canada since 2015, and in 2021 was featured at the National Prayer Breakfast, held under the joint authority of the Speakers of the Senate and House of Commons.
She premiered the solo viola work Prayer for Peace, commissioned for her from composer Evelyn Stroobach, at the Laureate Gala at Weill Carnegie Hall in 2022. Most recently, in November 2023, she returned to Weill Carnegie Hall as a violin soloist with the New York Chamber Players.
