dr. slavina zhelezova
Born into the family of educators in Bulgaria, Zhelezova moved to New York at 18 to pursue her musical education, earning a Doctorate and Master’s degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and a Bachelor’s from the Mannes School of Music. She serves as Director of Music at First Congregational Church of River Edge, where she plays a vital role in the church leadership, curating music to create a space for spiritual connection and community bonding. A dedicated educator, she has led piano programs in numerous NYC public schools and currently serves on the faculties of the University of Mount Saint Vincent and Concordia Conservatory. Slavina lives in New York with her husband Chris and two sons, Boris and Luca, embracing the balance between family life, music, and community.
Dr. Slavina Zhelezova is a classical pianist, known for the fire and command of her performances and for her ability to connect with audiences. Praised for “making the impossible possible and fascinating,” she has performed on four continents including Cervantino Festival (Mexico), Shumen Philharmonic (Bulgaria), and Conciertos del Este (Uruguay). Her CD Midnight Conversations (Centaur Records) was lauded as a “brilliant performance that’s lots of rollicking fun” (American Record Guide).
Fueled by the energy of meaningful connection, Slavina’s work focuses on helping people experience a sense of belonging and community. She is the founder and artistic director of River Crossing Concerts in NJ, a series committed to expanding the worlds of listeners by uplifting the voices of underrepresented composers and artists. As part of the Guevara & Zhelezova Piano Duo, she has toured Mexico, China, and the US, championing the power of collaboration and equity in chamber music ensembles.
At Manhattan Country School, Slavina serves as a co-president of the Parents’ Association, working to strengthen communication, engagement, and collaboration within the school community. As an MCS parent, she is deeply committed to bringing caregivers, staff, and students together to support and uplift one another.