15 october 2026 Prominent Japanese Musicians Are Soloists In "Musical Ikebana"

Following an exceptionally rich 2025/2026 season for the Burgas Opera—marked by both a high density of events and a diverse range of genres—and a strong start to the new 2026/2027 season (featuring *Carmen*, *Neapolitan Evening at the Opera*, *Patilantsi*, and *My Fair Lady*), the October program continues with a symphonic concert titled "Musical Ikebana." The event will take place on Friday, October 16, at 7:00 PM in the Burgas Opera Hall. Guest conductor Nikola Petrov will lead the concert, joined by distinguished soloists from Japan: Kiyoko Sakai (piano), Koji Okazaki (bassoon), and Etsuko Okazaki (piano). Since 2019, Maestro Petrov has served as a permanent conductor of the Vratsa Sinfonietta. His professional portfolio encompasses the classical operatic and symphonic repertoire, as well as recording work involving applied and film music, carried out through initiatives such as the Film Scoring Academy of Europe. "Impressive names with impressive backgrounds! These are musicians with thousands of performances under their belts, given their many years of stage experience. They have worked with some of the world’s finest conductors and boast an extensive concert career, spanning both Japan and Europe. We are fortunate to be able to facilitate this cultural exchange, thanks to Prof. Ganev, who has toured Japan extensively and established a connection with them!" says the conductor in an interview with the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) regarding these distinguished soloists from Japan.

Vanya Zlateva, concertmaster of the Burgas Opera Orchestra, is a recipient of the "Crystal Necklace"—a special award from the Union of Bulgarian Musicians and Dancers (UBMD) recognizing significant contributions to musical culture. The three prominent Japanese soloists are professors at the Musashino Academy in Tokyo and possess truly impressive artistic credentials. These guest soloists for the "Musical Ikebana" program are well-known to the Burgas audience, having delivered a brilliant performance in October 2024 under the baton of Deyan Pavlov.

Nikola Petrov, who will be conducting the State Opera – Burgas orchestra for the first time, has curated an impressive concert program. It features both iconic and lesser-known works from the classical repertoire for solo instrument and symphony orchestra, including: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. ...by Carl Maria von Weber; *Suite-Concertino* for Bassoon and Orchestra in F major, Op. 16, by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari; and Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21, by Frédéric Chopin.

The Piano Concerto in C major by Carl Maria von Weber is an early Romantic work, composed by the German composer in 1810. It consists of three movements: *Allegro*—which begins with a Romantic spirit but incorporates dramatic elements toward the end of the development section; *Adagio*—a slow, lyrical, and song-like movement; and *Finale: Presto*—a fast, brilliant, and rhythmic conclusion. The second work on the program, the *Suite-Concertino* in F major, Op. 16, is an iconic piece for bassoon and chamber orchestra, composed in 1932 by the Italian-German composer Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari. It ranks among the most highly regarded and frequently performed works in the modern bassoon repertoire. The composer’s style skillfully blends late-Romantic lyricism, neoclassical lightness, and operatic *cantilena*, brilliantly showcasing both the technical and emotional range of the bassoon. The third work to be featured in the concert on October 16 is Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21, by Frédéric Chopin. This piano concerto is one of the composer’s most renowned early works, premiering in Warsaw in March 1830. Although numbered as No. 2 (as it was the second to be published), it was actually composed before Piano Concerto No. 1. The work consists of three movements: *Maestoso*—a majestic and lyrical opening; *Larghetto*—an emotive, romantic slow movement dedicated to Chopin’s great love, Konstancja Gładkowska; and *Allegro vivace*—a fiery, virtuosic finale infused with the spirit of Polish dance.

The symphonic concert taking place this Friday at the State Opera – Burgas promises an exquisite experience of high artistic and aesthetic caliber. Do not miss this opportunity for an intimate encounter with high art, a sense of refinement, and the universal messages of classical music!

Tickets for the symphonic concert are available at the Opera box office, the "Chasovnika" (The Clock) Ticket Center, and through the Grabo and Eventim networks.