Faculty

Profile

Ilinka Manova is an award-winning Macedonian American pianist celebrated for her profound artistry and dedication to music. She began her formative musical journey under Professor Valentina Nolcheva in Skopje before pursuing advanced studies with Dr. Arbo Valdma in Cologne, Germany, and Dr. Solomon Mikowsky at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Awarded a full scholarship, she earned her master’s degree and Artist Diploma studying with Professor Stephanie Brown at SUNY Purchase. Ilinka furthered her education by obtaining a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Connecticut, where she studied with Dr. Angelina Gadeliya. Ilinka's musical talent has earned her numerous accolades, including first prize at the 29th Artists International Competition in New York, which led to her solo recital debut at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall in 2001. Among her honors are the prestigious DAAD German Scholarship, Emily and Eugene Grant, Clifford-Levy Creativity Grant, the Citta di Senigallia award in Italy, and the Yugoslav National Competition Award for Musicians in Sarajevo. Her performances have graced world-renowned venues such as the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts in Taiwan, Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, the United Nations, Steinway Hall, Merkin Hall, Paul Hall, Von der Mehden Recital Hall, Opera America, Donnell New York Public Library, Palazzo Altieri, and Bohemian National Hall. Ilinka has also performed extensively across Europe—in cities like Paris, Rome, Bonn, Cologne, Geneva, Senigallia, Belgrade, Ljubljana, Skopje, and Ohrid—as well as in major cities throughout the United States. Her artistry has been featured in The New York Times, Greenwich Time, The Journal News, and prominent Macedonian publications. Her repertoire spans classical masterpieces to contemporary works, focusing on new compositions from her native Macedonia. In addition to her distinguished performing career, Ilinka is a passionate advocate for music education and nonviolence through the arts. As Managing Director of ArtsAhimsa, a nonprofit organization promoting peace through creativity, she has played a key role in fostering meaningful connections through music. A sought-after teacher, she serves on the piano faculties of The New School – Mannes Prep Division and The Diller-Quaile School of Music in New York City, where her students have won accolades at national competitions and performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Merkin Hall. From 2012 to 2022, Ilinka co-managed Rondo Young Artist, an international initiative aimed at nurturing emerging talent. As Executive Director and Co-Founder, she organized debut concerts for young musicians at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall and led the annual Rondo Summer Academy in Geneva-Blonay, Switzerland. Ilinka resides in New York City with her husband and their two teenage daughters.

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