07 october 2026 Southern Passion and Beautiful Music With "Neapolitan Evening"

Following the emotional premiere of the Italian canzonetta concert "Neapolitan Evening at the Opera"—conceived by Maestro Svilen Simeonov—this past June, and the brilliant, well-attended performances on St. Anastasia Island and in Pomorie, the State Opera – Burgas presents a new musical-stage project. On Thursday, October 8, at 7:00 PM, the Opera Hall will once again become a space for sharing emotions driven by the inimitable Italian temperament, a zest for life’s pleasures, the simple joys, and great love—all experienced through beautiful music and rhythms that pulse in harmony with the heart. The audience will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique, passionate spirit of Italian music.
Taking the conductor's podium on Thursday is Svilen Simeonov—a figure beloved by audiences in Burgas and beyond—who also created the script and arrangements. Maestro Simeonov is a clear favorite among the general public, thanks to his personal charm, professionalism, and natural rapport with the audience at these stirring events—events he has conceived, inspired, and brilliantly brought to life. Following a series of successful musical and stage projects led by Svilen Simeonov with the Burgas Opera Orchestra—such as "Latino Pulse," "ABBA Mania," "Symphony Rock," "Le Grand Tango," "Dance with Me," and "Sympho-Melody Rock"—audiences can look forward to another unforgettable encounter with the dynamic creator behind these captivating events. His productions are known for their life-affirming energy and for leaving a lasting emotional impression.
In July of this year, exciting news emerged regarding the Bulgarian school of conducting: Svilen Simeonov became one of the first prominent Bulgarians to be accepted as a Voting Member of The Recording Academy—the organization responsible for determining Grammy Award winners. Maestro Simeonov’s official nomination and acceptance as a Voting Member of The Recording Academy™ represents a significant international professional milestone. Voting Membership is granted to established music industry professionals who meet rigorous criteria for professional achievement and are eligible to vote in the Grammy Awards. These members are active professionals—including producers, songwriters, engineers, performers, and other specialists—who participate in the process of selecting Grammy nominees and winners. Maestro Simeonov is now officially part of the international professional circle that directly influences the world's most prestigious music awards. This is an exceptionally rare and prestigious achievement for a Bulgarian music producer, conductor, arranger, and educator. "Neapolitan Evening at the Opera" is the latest major project by Maestro Svilen Simeonov—an undisputed audience favorite. The public appreciates his artistic stage presence, characterized by total emotional commitment to creating a unique atmosphere, a spirited Mediterranean temperament, a keen sense of audience tastes, and consummate professionalism. The Maestro is renowned for his inimitable ability to convey the mood, messages, warmth, temperament, and emotional resonance of musical scores. "This is the thirteenth project I have undertaken with the Burgas Opera ensemble; I hold each of them—and my colleagues at the Opera—dear. I am delighted to be back on this stage after a three-year absence. I hope for many more exciting encounters in the future!" said Maestro Simeonov during the concert's premiere at the Opera House in June. He added that he had sought to structure the program by alternating popular Italian *canzonette* with spirited Spanish melodies, as well as melodic, nostalgic interludes from beloved American films with Italian connections—*The Godfather* and *Once Upon a Time in America*. The soloists for "Neapolitan Evening at the Opera" are the wonderful, talented young artists of the Burgas State Opera—mezzo-soprano Maria Yurkovskaya, tenor Yani Nikolov, and baritone Andrey Yurkovsky. They will showcase the quintessential temperament and beauty of Italian music with taste, talent, a genuine affinity for the repertoire, charm, and remarkable vocal skill.
The concert program, expertly curated by Maestro Svilen Simeonov, will feature beloved *canzonette*—such as "Santa Lucia," "Torna a Surriento," "O sole mio," "Core ’ngrato," "Mamma," "Non ti scordar di me," "Funiculì Funiculà," "Mattinata," "Parlami d’amore Mariù," "Maria, Marì," "Marechiare," "La serenata," and "L’addio di Napoli"—alongside film music. Naturally, surprises await—resonating in the stirring key of love and its rich, harmonious expressions.
On October 8, the audience at the Burgas State Opera will enjoy two priceless hours connecting with the vibrant spirit of Italian and Spanish music. Soloists, musicians, conductor, and audience will unite in a shared celebration of life, blending nostalgic tenderness with authentic, deep emotion experienced among kindred spirits. Maestro Simeonov will once again demonstrate that the audience's affection for the professionalism and soul infused into his projects—as well as the intelligence...