15 june 2023 "Оpera At The Sanctuary" With Four Titles In August

STATE OPERA - BURGAS AND PRIMORSKO MUNICIPALITY PRESENT THE GRAND FESTIVAL "OPERA OF THE SANCTUARY" ON THE OPEN STAGE OF THE THRACIAN SANCTUARY "BEGLICTASH" - ON 5, 12, 19 and 26 AUGUST 2023, WITH THE OPERAS SAMSON AND DELILAH, NABUCCO, CARMEN, AND THE TROUBADOUR

An upcoming exciting large-scale event in the program of the State Opera - Burgas, in partnership with the Municipality of Primorsko, is the "Opera of the Sanctuary" festival, which will be held for the fourth time. Among the natural decor of the Thracian holy place of Begliktash, some of the most performed and loved opera titles will be presented: the rarely performed masterpiece by Camille Saint-Saëns "Samson and Delilah", the Verdi operas "Nabucco" /August 12/ and "The Troubadour" /26 August/ and on August 5, 2023 - one of the most beloved operas in the world - "Carmen" by the French composer Georges Bizet, which closed last year's Festival "Sanctuary Opera" 2022. Giuseppe Verdi's two operas, Nabucco and The Troubadour, were presented with great success at the Thracian Begliktash Shrine Festival in the summer of 2021. Last year's edition of the Shrine Opera, featuring three titles, Madame Butterfly, Masked Ball" and "Carmen", also passed triumphantly, with marked interest from numerous international audiences. Precisely because of the great interest, for the first time this year, the State Opera - Burgas and the Municipality of Primorsko are preparing as many as four titles, which will provide visitors with an opportunity for incomparable aesthetic pleasure, combined with the mysticism of Strandzha and the attraction of the Thracian sanctuary, which is an ancient megalithic complex.

5 August - Samson Et Dalila" by Camille Saint-Saens

On August 5, at 8:30 p.m., the opera "Samson and Delilah" by Camille Saint-Saëns will be presented on the open stage of the "Begliktash" sanctuary The first title of this year's Opera of the Sanctuary festival is the opera Samson and Delilah by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns - on August 5 at 8.30 p.m. The work was not staged on the Burgas stage until the summer of 2017 when the premiere performance within the Burgas Music Festival "Emil Chakarov" caused a sensation with its avant-garde staging solution. The scenography of the world-famous Romanian Catalin Arbore and the direction of Assoc. Dr. Alexander Tekeliev caused heated debates in the opera circles, with rave reviews prevailing. What is interesting in the preparation of the Burga's production of "Samson and Delilah" are the unusual sets and costumes. Saint-Saëns chooses the biblical plot of the struggle for freedom of the Jews with the Philistines and of the inhuman strength of the hero Samson, hidden in his hair, who is betrayed by his beloved Delilah. The premiere took place in the German city of Weimar, conducted at the premiere by Franz Liszt himself. The audience in Begliktash will have the rare opportunity to relive the dramatic story of the Jew endowed with divine power - Samson, and the beautiful Philistine woman who uses her feminine charm to tempt, deceive, betray, and destroy him - Delilah. The plot, based on the biblical stories of the Old Testament, contains not only an intriguing narrative line but also deep moral dilemmas, presented in a delightful way through the means of music-stage art and the magnificent score by Camille Saint-Saëns. Under the precise baton of maestro Ivan Kozhuharov, well-established and beloved opera singers enter the main roles on August 5: the distinguished mezzo-soprano Daniela Dyakova will take on the role of Delilah, who is unmistakable in every stage appearance - with dignity, taste, control of the voice and rich, impactful timbral nuances. The image of Samson will be recreated by the soloist of the Sofia Opera and Ballet, Kostadin Andreev, who last year was outstanding as Don Jose in "Carmen" by Georges Bizet - on the stage of the Thracian sanctuary of Begliktash. The famous singer, who sang many times with Gena Dimitrova, will be an expected guest in the difficult title from Saint-Saëns, which gives the opportunity to develop both vocal and artistic potential. The role of the High Priest of Dagon will be performed on the stage in Begliktash on August 5 by the eminent baritone Alexander Krunev, who recently solemnly celebrated his 60th anniversary on the stage of the Burgas Opera House. Krunev gives dignity and characteristic severity to the image of the priest, inspiring respect and awe. In the image of Abimelech, satrap of Gaza, the bass player Delyan Slavov enters. In the role of the Old Jew will be Diman Panchev, bass, Envoy of the Philistines - tenor Lyubomir Todorov, First Philistine - Milen Dinolov, tenor, Second Philistine - baritone Branimir Nedkov. The opera title is extremely large-scale and attractive, with the participation of soloists with an international career, choir, orchestra, and ballet of the State Opera - Burgas.

August 12, "Nabucco" by Giuseppe Verdi

On the second festival night - August 12, of the four-day festival "Sanctuary Opera", the audience will have the pleasure of enjoying Verdi's epic opera "Nabucco", which will be presented for the second time - after 2021 - at the magical place.. The audience will again have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the story of the ancient priests who ruled - through their spirit and the invisible bridge with the gods, over human destinies marked by dramatic passions. Those present will experience the unique spectacle - in the heart of Strandja and will witness of the combination of the beauty of art combined with the age-old messages of the ancient Thracian mysteries.

As a kind of hymn of the fusion of Nature and Music, the famous "Choir of the Jews" will sound, when it seems as if the earthly forces will fall silent to give expression to the heavenly melody.

Under the baton of maestro Ivaylo Krinchev, in the role of the dramatic title, representing the hard fate of the ancient Jews, exiled to Babylon and Jerusalem by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, will be magnificent soloists: baritone Maryan Jovanoski - as Nabucco, in the role of Ishmael - tenor Yani Nikolov, Zacharia – Delyan Slavov, bass. Abigail - soprano Ioana Zhelezcheva, mezzo-soprano Ioana Kadiyska takes on the role of Fenena. The role of the High Priest will be the bass Kostadin Mechkov, Abdalo - the tenor Milen Dinolov, in the role of Anna - the soprano Nona Krastnikova. The large-scale production is with the participation of the orchestra and choir of the Burgas Opera.

The large-scale opera title features internationally renowned soloists, orchestra, choir, and ballet of the State Opera - Burgas.

August 19 - "Carmen" by Georges Bizet

On August 19, Saturday, at 8:30 p.m. on the open stage of the Thracian sanctuary of Begliktash, under the baton of maestro Grigor Palikarov, the audience will be given the opportunity to relive the eternal story of a suddenly ignited passion, repulsion, emotional rehabilitation, a collision of two worlds that irresistibly attract each other, and devastating feelings destroy them - with the opera "Carmen" by Georges Bizet. Last year's edition of the "Sanctuary Opera" 2022 closed with the emblematic opera by Bizet. The dramatic plot of one of the most popular operas in the world always sounds relevant. Regardless of the era in which they live, people invariably carry identical feelings and aspirations, and their relationships are based on universal human norms that are not subject to time. The opera has become iconic - not only because of Georges Bizet's beautiful music, characterized by an exquisite melodic line, as well as musical motifs that have gained popularity in their own right but also because of the story, which continues to excite and evoke diverse feelings. On August 19, the famous mezzo-soprano Daniela Dyakova will be again - as during last year's performance of "Carmen" within the framework of the "Sanctuary Opera", in a stage partnership with the tenor Kostadin Andreev /guest/, soloist of the Sofia Opera and Ballet. who will take on the role of Don Jose – torn by internal contradictions.

Daniela Dyakova, on whose temperament the role of Carmen impresses magnificently, will once again sweep the open stage in Begliktash – a true fury, an amalgam of passion and an irresistible urge for inner freedom, which for her is above love, affection, even the instinct for life. The magnificent tenor Kostadin Andreev, who has repeatedly sung on stages in Bulgaria and around the world with the unforgettable and inimitable Gena Dimitrova, will be reincarnated in the role of the tragically in love Don Jose. It fits brilliantly into the emotional arc generated by the stage interaction with the image of the most famous gypsy, Carmencita. The famous baritone Marjan Jovanoski, soloist of the Burgas Opera and the National Opera of North Macedonia, will be the matador Escamilio, who wins Carmen's feelings and pushes Don Jose to black jealousy with a tragic outcome. The charming soprano Maria Tsvetkova-Madjarova will be reincarnated in the image of the tender and devoted girl Mikaela and the bass Diman Panchev will be Tsuniga. The soprano Aglika Petrova-Ellis will perform as Frasquita on stage. Irina Dobrovolskaya will play the role of Mercedes, baritone Branimir Nedkov will play Dankairo, tenor Yani Nikolov will play Remendado, and baritone Yordan Hristozov - Morales. The director of the production, adapted for the open stage in Begliktash, is Alexander Tekeliyev, the choir conductor - is Nevena Mihailova, the choreography is by Nedko Georgiev, and the assistant directors - is Lina Peeva and Petar Tiholov. The orchestra, choir, and ballet of the State Opera - Burgas take part in the large-scale attractive spectacle.

August 26 - The Troubadour by Giuseppe Verdi

The last festival event of the "Sanctuary Opera" 2023 will be an exciting evening under the starry sky of Strandzha, at the sacred place, in the condensed rhythm of the musical-scenic perfection of Verdi's opera "The Troubadour" - on August 26 at 8:30 p.m. One of Verdi's most popular operas tells the story of the troubadour Manrico, his mother - the gypsy Azucena, the gentle girl in love Leonora, the powerful Count di Luna, and all the other characters who intertwine their fates in a sad tale of love, sin, and redemption. The stage action and rhythm of the score will merge with the natural energy, which in the sacred place is palpably strong, and the stage action.

The dramatic plot of "Troubadour", subject to the exciting dynamics of the tragic destiny of the characters, haunts the senses and carries messages beyond time.

All the artists will build, build, and breathe exciting stage life into a powerful performance that will tell the sad story of the characters in one of Verdi's most beautiful operas.

The artistic cast is once again superb, as impressive soloists will raise their voices on the open stage of the Thracian sanctuary. Under the baton of maestro Deyan Pavlov, the distinguished baritone Marjan Jovanoski will play the role of the cruel Count Di Luna, the magnificent soprano Yoana Zhelezcheva will play the role of Leonora, the famous mezzo-soprano Daniela Dyakova will play the crowning role of Azucena, Manrico will be the wonderful tenor, recently a soloist of the Burgas Opera, except for the Varna Opera - Valery Georgiev, Ferrando - the bass Kostadin Mechkov, Ines - Irina Dobrovolskaya, Ruitz - Lyubomir Todorov, Old Gypsy - Nikolai Nikolov, Vestitel - Milen Dinolov.

The conductor of the choir and the four titles included in the festival program is Nevena Mihailova, and ballet tutor - Marina Zmeeva-Markova.

All the "behind-the-scenes" specialists — assistant directors Lina Peeva and Petar Tiholov, the employees of the technical services — have admiration for the achievement of optimal impact. All recreate a sad tale - about the cruel commandments of family memory, about the weight of the shackles of revenge, about the tragic end of a human feeling marked by beauty and sublimity, bearing the stigma of the curse.

The "Opera of the Sanctuary" festival is carried out by the State Opera - Burgas, in partnership with the Municipality of Primorsko. The organization of the large-scale cultural event is remarkably good - such as preparing the ground for the specifics of an opera performance in natural conditions, such as transporting the guests to the event and ensuring optimal comfort for the audience in the heart of the mountain.

In the organization and implementation of a forum of a similar scale, one should also mention the traditionally high level of the technical services, which during the festival take care of ensuring the overall vision of the performances, taking into account the difficult terrain and the specifics of the open stage. In the non-standard and difficult conditions for the realization of such a large-scale opera performance, the work done by the people who are responsible for the technical equipment, lighting, and sound is perfect. The logistics on the part of the Municipality of Primorsko are also at an extremely high level, tailored to the needs of the visitors, in order to provide them with optimal comfort during the performances and to make the experience under the stars of Strandzha unforgettable.

The productions of the State Opera - Burgas in the "Sanctuary Opera" festival, which has become a good tradition, provide a unique chance to meet the symbolism of the sacred place, combined with the aesthetics and artistic solutions of the opera titles.

Fragments from "Opera At The Sanctuary" 2022: