Benita Dzhurkova
Soprano & Violinist

          Benita Dzhurkova is a Bulgarian-born, award-winning interdisciplinary artist who explores the connections between violin and voice through her performances. She has gained recognition from an early stage in her career for her rare dual expertise as both a violinist and soprano, and has performed across the United States, Europe, and Brazil as a soloist, concertmaster, chamber musician, and opera performer. Benita has collaborated with renowned artists including Pinchas Zukerman, Joshua Bell, Andrea Bocelli, Plácido Domingo, Il Volo, Al Bano, among others.

          Dr. Dzhurkova earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance from the University of Miami, where she studied under the mentorship of the distinguished violinist, Prof. Charles Castleman. Her doctoral capstone project explored the fusion of instrumental and vocal artistry through shared expressive performance practices. As a member of the Graduate String Quartet at the Henry Mancini Institute under the guidance of the new-music specialist and performer, Prof. Jeffrey Zeigler, Benita further explored the cross-disciplinary collaboration and expanded her artistic horizons. She also holds dual master's degrees in Violin Performance and Vocal Performance, reflecting her deep commitment and dedication to cultivating both disciplines.

          Based in Florida, Benita Dzhurkova remains an active performer, appearing in solo recitals, chamber concerts, symphonic and operatic productions. Through her performance, education, and community outreach work, she is dedicated to bringing classical music to new audiences in innovative and engaging ways.