23 october 2026 Sparkle, Dynamism, Beauty, And Whirlwind Dances In "Don Quixote"
For those ballet enthusiasts who missed the excitement surrounding the three performances of *Don Quixote* in the summer of 2022, the 2024 production that launched the second edition of the "Sara-Nora Prima" International Ballet Competition (featuring 2023 competition laureates), or the performance held this August at the Burgas Summer Theatre, there is another opportunity—and a delightful aesthetic experience—to witness this top-tier ballet extravaganza. *Don Quixote* will be presented on October 26 at 7:00 PM on the stage of the Burgas Opera. The lead roles of Kitri and Basilio will be performed by Burgas Opera prima ballerina Daniela Turtumanova-Stoyanova—who made a brilliant debut as Kitri (an iconic role in the dance world) this past August at the Burgas Summer Theatre—and principal dancer Daniel Tichkov as Basilio.
After an absence of more than two years, this magnificent production returned to the stage this August at the Summer Theatre, once again showcasing its full scale and splendor. This work is rarely staged in Burgas, as it demands significant artistic resources—both in terms of the number of performers required and the high level of technical difficulty involved. The Opera’s company is now multinational, having been bolstered by new, high-caliber performers—particularly within the male ensemble. This expansion enables the staging of compelling productions that feature a strong male presence, such as *Don Quixote* and *Le Corsaire*—the latter of which served as the opening performance for this year’s "Emil Chakarov" Summer Music Festival.
The production radiates an energy that blends beauty, dynamism, technical mastery, and a passionate, southern spirit. This magnificent staging of *Don Quixote*—a veritable bouquet of whirlwind emotions, spirited music, a dynamic plot, dazzling direction, vibrant costumes, fairytale-like sets, stage charisma, brilliant ballet technique, and irresistible Spanish rhythms—is the work of director Galina Kalcheva. She helmed this grand-scale ballet extravaganza, based on the choreography of Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky. The superb set design, which captures the essence and color of Spanish life uniquely, was created by Ivan Tokadzhiev. The vivid, striking costumes—perfectly aligned with the set design—are the work of Yana Dvoretska, who designed 82 original stage outfits for the premiere, masterfully crafted by the Burgas Opera’s wardrobe team. Lina Peeva and Petar Tiholov served as assistant directors for this impressive production. The consensus regarding the production is that it achieves an admirable blend of rhythms—infused with passion, dynamism, and a whirlwind of emotions—resulting in a cohesive vision that harmonizes concept, music, artistic themes, and inspired performance, all marked by true mastery. The technical execution is also of a high standard; the sets and special effects are impressive and aligned with contemporary global trends in the performing arts.
On Monday, the entire cast—dozens of performers in total—will bring the vibrant, multifaceted spectacle of *Don Quixote* to life on the Opera stage, utilizing dynamic movement and a skillful conveyance of emotional nuance. In addition to the captivating soloists Daniela Turtumanova-Stoyanova and Daniel Tichkov, the audience on October 26th will have the pleasure of seeing a brilliant ensemble of artists. Taking on the iconic roles from Miguel de Cervantes’ novel—which demand strong acting ability—are Petar Tiholov as the "Knight of the Sorrowful Countenance" (Don Quixote), and Francesco Pio Russo as his loyal companion, Sancho Panza. The Burgas audience will also see Teodor Tsakov and Raya Chakarova as Espada and Mercedes; they are a compelling pair who brilliantly capture the Spanish temperament through a variety of spirited, high-energy dances. Laia Ramon will appear as the Mistress of the Dryads—stylish, striking, and exuding class. Giulia Lezzi will stand out on the stage of the Burgas Opera with her dynamic stage presence and artistry in the role of Cupid. Yana Berduta and Nanako Sato will bring energy and charm as Kitri’s Friends. The Toreadors—portrayed by Kiril Filipov, Nayden Naydenov, Patrick Gill, and Hristo Trifonov—promise to infuse the performance with a true southern flair and temperament. Kalina Nedelcheva and Shun Kawafune will embody the passionate Gypsy Dance, appearing as a whirlwind of sensuality and dynamism. Also intriguing is the character of Gamache—the prominent, conceited nobleman who unsuccessfully vies for the heart of the beautiful Kitri—played by Stoyan Fartunov. Penyo Garbov will take on the role of the Innkeeper, while Sofia Lovdzhieva will play the Innkeeper’s Wife. The women accompanying the Toreadors will be Aneliya Ivanova, Giulia Lezzi, Ilina Konstantinova, Gergana Kozarova, Sofia Ryazanova, and Laia Ramon. The colorful Seguidilla will feature performances by Ivana Fialkovska, Vasilena Todorova, Gergana Kozarova, Bianca-Helen Giovanelli, Kalina Nedelcheva, Nayden Naydenov, Haru Nakagawa, Kiril Filipov, and Hristo Trifonov.
In the mystical "Dream in the Forest," the following dancers will appear as dryads: Nanako Sato, Ilina Konstantinova, Yana Berduta, Gergana Kozarova, Gergana Georgieva, Polina Pasha, Sofia Ryazanova, Maria Gabarova, Bianca-Helen Giovanelli, Tiana Velikova, Anelia Ivanova, Raya Chakarova, Vasilena Todorova, and Ivana Fialkovska. The captivating "Entrée" will feature Yana Berduta, Nanako Sato, Ilina Konstantinova, Tiana Velikova, Gergana Kozarova, Giulia Lezzi, Polina Pasha, and Sofia Ryazanova. The "Spanish Dance" will be performed by Raya Chakarova, Teodor Tsakov, Kiril Filipov, Haru Nakagawa, Nayden Naydenov, Patrick Gill, and Shun Kawafune.
Adding a vibrant and fresh touch to this grand-scale production are students from the ballet classes of the "Prof. Pancho Vladigerov" National School of Music and Performing Arts in Burgas. They participate with great dedication and in perfect synchronization with the professional artists, appearing in the enchanting, fairy-tale scenes ruled by the dryads—mythical forest spirits and guardians of the trees—as well as in other large-scale ensemble sequences.
In this beautiful and dynamic staging of "Don Quixote," the artists of the State Opera – Burgas ballet ensemble also demonstrate a consistently high level of performance, deep dedication to the stage, and remarkable synchronization. On October 29 at 7:00 PM, the Burgas Opera will present the ballet "Don Quixote" on the stage of the Ivan Radoev Drama and Puppet Theatre in Pleven.
Tickets for "Don Quixote" are available at the Opera box office, the "Chasovnika" (The Clock) ticket office, as well as through the Grabo and Eventim networks.
Contact:
Temenuga Zaharieva
Public Relations
State Opera – Burgas
Tel.: 0884593797
E-mail: burgasopera@gmail.com