BIOGRAPHY
Where Worlds Resonate
Atanas Valkov is a Polish-Bulgarian composer, platinum music producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his distinctive fusion of genres and cross-cultural soundscapes. Classically and jazz-trained as a pianist and percussionist, he has developed a unique musical language that bridges tradition with contemporary cinematic storytelling.
His work has been praised by international juries and composers such as Max Richter for its “highly individual voice and approach to the project.” Valkov has collaborated with award-winning directors and producers, creating music that brings emotional depth and narrative sensitivity to film and visual storytelling.
With a rare blend of artistic innovation, live performance excellence, and international experience, he creates music that elevates every project—whether for film, television, games, or the concert stage.
Awards & nominations
Valkov is the main prize winner of the 7th Berlinale Film Score Competition, where his highly individual voice was praised by Max Richter and the jury. He is a Fryderyk Award nominee for Best Score for The King of Warsaw and the winner of both the Jury’s “Polish Soundtrack of the Year” and the Audience Award at the Krakow Film Music Festival (FMF) for the same series.
His work has also been recognized with nominations for the European Talent Award at Soundtrack_Cologne, FMF Soundtrack of the Year for The Trap, and Best Score at the Golden Orange International Film Festival for The Last Family. He is a finalist of the FMF Young Talent Award and received a Fryderyk Award nomination for Best Score for The King of Warsaw.
Atanas Valkov was also honored with a special mention for his opera libretto Frozen Children at the ZAiKS Opera Competition, and has received additional nominations at the 24h Film Festival and for the KTR Awards for his work in advertising and branded content for major global clients and agencies. These distinctions reflect the wide recognition of his music across film, television, opera, and commercial projects, both in Poland and far beyond.
Feature, TV & Documentary Films
With a portfolio spanning over 40 film, TV, and documentary scores, Atanas Valkov is one of the most sought-after composers in Poland and has had a significant impact on Polish film music over the past decade, co-creating projects that have become iconic hits. His distinctive sound has shaped acclaimed productions through collaborations with leading directors whose works have earned top festival and industry honors.
He has worked with Oscar-nominated Tomasz Bagiński (Polish Legends, Ambition with the European Space Agency, Black Glade), Oscar recipient Andrzej Wajda (Brief Chronicle of Time), award-winning Jan P. Matuszyński (The King of Warsaw, Deep Love – HBO, Heaven, The Last Family – Golden Lions, Gdynia Film Festival), Michał Kwieciński (Akson Studio, Bodo, Miłość jest wszystkim), and Łukasz Palkowski (Belfer, The Trap).
His scores have elevated hit series and films such as The Teach / Belfer (Canal+), The Trap (TVN Discovery), and the internationally awarded Deep Love (HBO, Silver Hobby-Horse, Krakow Film Festival). Valkov’s credits also include Noamia, Gemini Rising, Wyszyński – Zemsta czy Przebaczenie, BODO, Powstaniec 1863, Jak ukradłem 100 milionów, and the sci-fi internet hit Polish Legends.
Composing Beyond Borders
Internationally, Atanas Valkov is recognized for his bold, cross-genre projects and global collaborations. He composed and produced the full soundtrack for the Swedish video game Vampire: The Masquerade – BloodHunt, acclaimed for its cinematic orchestral-electronic sound and released by the iconic British label Laced Records. He partnered with the European Space Agency on the album Ambition, blending real space sound samples with hybrid orchestral-electronic music and featuring special guests from the scientific community.
Valkov’s international experience extends to high-impact social campaigns and branded content. He composed the music for the viral Amnesty International film Look Beyond Borders, which reached over 41 million viewers and became one of Amnesty’s most influential campaigns. He also scored the global spot Save the Children – Team Tomorrow, supporting humanitarian efforts for children affected by war and crisis around the world.
CROSS-CULTURE WORLD MUSIC
He is also the platinum and gold record-winning producer and arranger for Kayah’s Transoriental Orchestra and the creator of the Transoriental project—a landmark in contemporary world music that brings together outstanding soloists and instrumentalists from Poland, Ukraine, and Iran. The album, celebrated for its multicultural repertoire and innovative arrangements, showcases Valkov’s ability to merge Jewish, Balkan, Persian, and Slavic musical traditions with modern world and electronic influences, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Orchestral & Large Ensemble Writing
Valkov composes for a wide range of orchestral and large ensemble settings, writing in diverse styles and tailoring his music to different instrumental line-ups. His symphonic intuition brings a contemporary edge to orchestral sound, blending classical, jazz, ethnic, and cinematic influences. His original arrangements and suites are performed by top polish orchestras and ensembles, often featuring renowned soloists, and his concerts are recognized for their artistry, energy, and modern orchestral color at major festivals and cultural events.
A Highly Individual Voice
Driven by curiosity and a talent for storytelling, Atanas Valkov continually explores new sonic territories, drawing on Polish, Middle Eastern, and Balkan folklore alongside electronic, jazz, and contemporary influences. Recognized as one of the most original composers in Poland, he is celebrated for his cross-cultural resonance, technical mastery, and innovative spirit.