Doniyor Zuparov started playing cello at the age of seven. From 1995-2006, he studied at the National Musical Lyceum, named for Russian/Ukrainian composer Reinhold M. Glier. During his studies, Zuparov participated in various performances, competitions and music festivals and took top honors in many of the competitions. For his outstanding musical work, he was awarded two major scholarships.

In 2006, Zuparov entered the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan on a full government scholarship. In 2007 and 2008, he performed at the International Festival “Moscow Meets Friends” (Russia). He has appeared as a soloist with leading orchestras in Uzbekistan and Turkistan and was principal cellist with the symphonic and chamber orchestra of the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan.

Zuparov obtained his Professional Performance Certificate and Master of Music degree as a student of David Cole at the Lynn University Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton. He also won the Lynn Concerto Competition in 2011 and 2013 and has performed with the Lynn Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2013, Zuparov was invited to attend the “Heifetz International Music Institute” and was awarded a full scholarship. He has been a member of The Florida Orchestra since the 2015-16 season.

On February 27, Thomas and Barbara Farquhar received the Florida Orchestra Guild’s 2019 Golden Baton Award. The presentation took place at the Renaissance Vinoy Sunset Ballroom in St. Petersburg. The Farquhars join a long list of distinguished recipients who have been honored for exceptional service to and support for The Florida Orchestra. 2019 is the 52nd year the award has been given.

Peggy Grom, St. Petersburg Orchestra Guild President, welcomed guests to the evening celebration. Event Co-Chairs were Sheila Tempelmann and Sara Galiger. Guest and Coffee Concert Conductor Stuart Malina and Clay Ellerbroek, the Orchestra’s Principal Flute, were among the many guests paying tribute to the Farquhars. Ellerbroek played solo pieces by Debussy and Bach in the Farquhars’ honor.