Grigor Palikarov graduated from the State Academy of Music majoring in Piano under Professor Krassimir Taskov, Choral Conducting under Professor Stoyan Kralev (1995), Composition under Professor Dimitar Tapkoff and Orchestral Conducting under Professor Vassil Kazandjiev (1996). He specialised in composition with Professor Erich Urbaner at the Prague-Vienna-Budapest Summer International Academy held in Ranhenau, Austria (1995, 1997).
As a student (22 years old) he conducted “Rigoletto” in the opera theaters in Pleven and Stara Zagora.
He made his debut at the National Opera and Ballet – Sofia in 1998, conducting a gala concert of Gena Dimitrova at her express invitation. Since 2001, he has been appointed as a full-time conductor at the opera, and at the moment his repertoire includes more than 55 opera and ballet titles.
Grigor Palikarov is a frequent guest conductor of many orchestras and opera houses in the country, among them: Classic FM Orchestra – Sofia, of which he is the permanent conductor since the 2008/09 season, Festival Orchestra – Sofia, Sofia Philharmonic, State Operas in Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Ruse, Stara Zagora, Pleven Philharmonic, etc. Among his series of conducting performances, a special place is occupied by numerous studio recordings of various works with the Symphony Orchestra of the Bulgarian National Radio, as well as participation in prestigious national and international music festivals. Maestro Palikarov regularly tours abroad in countries such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, USA, Russia, Slovenia, Poland, Taiwan, Holland, Japan, Korea. He has been on the console of the Royal Belgian Philharmonic – Brussels, the National Opera and Ballet – Ljubljana, the Vienna Chamber Ensemble “New Tone”, the Symphony Orchestra “Century” – Taipei, Taiwan, the Krasnoyarsk Opera, the Orchestra “Camera Fiorentina” – Florence, Orchestra “Magna Greca” – Taranto, Symphony Orchestra – Bari, Symphony Orchestra – Kalisz, Poland, Janacek Philharmonic – Czech Republic, as well as Circle Opera Company – Cleveland, USA, where his debut was marked as one of the most important musical events for 2009 for Ohio State.
Along with his conducting activities, maestro Palikarov performs as a pianist and composes. He is the author of choral, orchestral and chamber music. He was awarded a Special Award for composition from the “Young Bulgarian Talents” foundation named after A. Shnitke (1994). Some of his works have been performed at a number of festivals and have been recorded more than once. For his successful performances as a composer and pianist, he has been awarded a number of prestigious national and international awards.

Choral-orchestral works:
Cantata: Hodie Christus natus est for female voices choir and symphony orchestra (1995-97).
Anthem of the city of Pazardzhik (2008)

Works for symphony orchestra:
Concert piece for piano and orchestra (1998).

Works for string orchestra:
Elegy (1995).

Chamber Music:
Wind Quintet (1998);
Four Pieces for flute, French horn and double bass (version for bassoon and piano) (1997);
Piano Sonata (1994-95);
Piano Sonatina (1993);
Rondo for Piano (1992);
“Contrasts – spring and autumn” for female voice and piano (1994).

Choral music:
For mixed choir: Three Songs (1992-93);
Three Psalms to Virgin Mary (1998-99).