Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni’s musical journey has come full circle

For Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, music has always been more than performance. It has been a lifelong bridge between continents, cultures and generations. Now, the Head of the Department of Performing Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Arts and Design has received one of Bulgaria’s highest music honours, the prestigious Golden Lyre Award (Zlatna Lyra), in recognition of her outstanding contribution to music, performance and arts education over several decades.

Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, Head of the Department of Performing Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Arts and Design, has received the prestigious Golden Lyre Award (Zlatna Lyra) from the Union of Bulgarian Musicians and Dancers in recognition of her outstanding contribution to music, performance and arts education. The award was presented to her by Prof Adrian Georgiev of the Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski at a ceremony hosted on the Arts Campus on 1 June.

The Golden Lyre Award, presented by the Union of Bulgarian Musicians and Dancers, recognises exceptional artists, educators and ensembles who have made significant and sustained contributions to the development of choral art, stage performance and Bulgarian musical traditions.

For Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, the recognition represents not only acknowledgement of her own artistic pursuit, but also the enduring influence of music as a force that transcends borders and cultures.

Asked what the accolade means to her, she said: “Receiving the Golden Lyre Award is a deeply humbling honour, one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Personally, it serves as a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with music in the first place: the ability to move people, to tell stories without words and to create moments that linger long after the last note fades. Professionally, this recognition inspires me to continue further, to take greater creative risks, dedicating myself to the craft with the same passion and discipline that brought me here. I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has walked this journey with me; my family, my mentors, my collaborators, my colleagues, my beloved students and above all, the audiences who have given my work meaning. This award belongs to all of you."

Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni receiving the award from Prof Adrian Georgiev of the Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski. Born in Moscow in the former Soviet Union and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria, she received her musical training in Bulgaria before moving to South Africa later in life. Since joining the TUT Faculty of Arts and Design in September 1999, she has played a pivotal role in shaping performing arts education while simultaneously building a distinguished international artistic career.

Her connection with music began at an early age. One of her most vivid childhood memories dates to when she was only six years old and performed during International Women’s Day celebrations in Sofia for the very first time. That unexpected moment became the beginning of a remarkable artistic journey.

As a young girl she would brave snowy paths to reach her piano lessons. This poignant memory underscores the dedication and resilience she demonstrated from an early age; the kind of unwavering commitment required to achieve mastery at her level.

Decades later, Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni returned to Bulgaria as an acclaimed musician and educator when she was invited to perform as the headline act at a concert celebrating International Women’s Day earlier this year. The solo piano concert, entitled From Africa with Love, took place at the Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski and celebrated the artistic contributions of women whose voices transformed music history and advanced messages of dignity, empowerment and love.

Beyond performance, Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni has continued to promote cultural dialogue between Africa and Europe through collaborative artistic and educational initiatives. Her recent visit to Bulgaria formed part of the South African Music Technology, Innovation and Capacity-building (SAMTIC) project, funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

Prof Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design. Her Excellency, Dr Maria Pavlova Tzotzorkova, Ambassador of Bulgaria to South Africa. Throughout her career, Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni has balanced the worlds of artistic excellence, education and cultural diplomacy. This is a contribution that the Golden Lyre Award now formally recognises.

The event was beautifully complemented by performances and poetry presented by Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni’s students, colleagues and friends, while congratulatory messages from the Ambassador of Bulgaria to South Africa, Her Excellency, Dr Maria Pavlova Tzotzorkova, and the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design, Prof Nalini Moodley, added a fitting touch to the celebration.

Dr Tzotzorkova said: “Coming to South Africa, Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni has enhanced the scope of her artistic pursuits. Her multidisciplinary art resonates across audiences of all generations and contributes to her electric and inspiring performances.”

Motshidisi Manyeneng, Section Head of the Department of Performing Arts, congratulating Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni. “I am particularly proud that Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni truly represents the Bulgarian tradition in classical music and performing arts. This rich and powerful tradition in opera, ballet, music and dancing and respective professional and academic training has established itself over the centuries and produced world-renowned names in opera and classical music, such as Raina Kabaivanska,” she added.

Internationally celebrated South African soprano, Pretty Yende, trained under Kabaivanska.

Prof Moodley said: “Over more than two decades in South Africa, Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and arts education. As an accomplished concert pianist, respected academic and Head of the Department of Performing Arts, she has continually expanded the boundaries of what it means to be both artist and educator.”

Mandla Maseko, Master of Ceremonies at the event. “Perhaps most importantly, her legacy is found in the countless students she has inspired, mentored, challenged and guided. Her commitment to developing the next generation of performing artists is unparalleled and exemplifies the very best values that the Golden Lyre Award seeks to recognise,” Prof Moodley added.

For TUT’s Faculty of Arts and Design, the recognition serves as further affirmation of the global impact and calibre of its academic and artistic staff. Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni’s achievement reflects not only her own dedication and passion, but also the growing international reputation of the university’s arts community.

The event was beautifully complemented by performances and poetry presented by Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni’s students, colleagues and friends.

PHOTOS:
Thanini Biyase and courtesy of Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni