The seventh edition of the Opera in the Summer Theater- Varna is undoubtedly the most ambitious one. The premiere of one of the most famous pieces of the Russian opera literature Boris Godunov by Modest Mussorgsky is to be held on August 11. Renowned Italian basso Carlo Colombara will be the guest soloist of that event. He will make his debut as protagonist. On August 13 the premiere of La Forza del Destino opera by Giuseppe Verdi will be held under the auspices of the Italian Cultural Institute in Sofia. The wonderful team is formed by one of the most celebrated contemporary opera conductors- maestro Marco Boemi, the magic voices of Daria Masiero (Italy) who sings Leonora di Vargas, Kaludi Kaludov as Don Alvaro and Carlo Colombara as Padre Guardiano. On August 22 the last premiere of the Norma Opera by Vincenzo Bellini will be held. Director of the Varna State Opera House Daniela Dimova told Radio Bulgaria more about the performances, cinema productions and premieres held in August there.

She starts from Modest Mussorgsky’s piece - Boris Godunov which was once performed by unforgettable Bulgarian bassos such as Boris Christof, Nikolay Gyaurov and Nukola Gyuzelev. The show is dedicated to the 80th birth anniversary of Nikola Gyuzelev.

“Our summer opera marathon continues. Between August 11 and 25 we are to present six shows, including three large opera premieres. We will present Boris Godunov opera on the eve of the Day of Varna under the auspices of Varna Mayor Ivan Portnych. Italian basso Carlo Colombara chose to make his debut in that special, Slavonic piece in Varna. The piece is a symbol of the Russian and the Bulgarian bassos. Mr. Colombara has been preparing for his debut for two whole years. This year we present Plamen Kartalov’s show to the audience in Varna. It was held two years ago in front of Alexander Nevsky cathedral in Sofia.”

Daniela Dimova told Radio Bulgaria more about the second premiere of The Force of Destiny Opera by Giuseppe Verdi:

“The Force of Destiny is a new piece in our poster, director Deyan Proshev, stage artist is Jivoyn Trayanovich, costumes - Kina Petrova. The piece will be conducted by Marco Boemi who is one of the most celebrated Italian conductors in the opera and concert life on several continents. Maestro Boemi is to visit Bulgaria for the second time after the gala show held last summer. ”

Daniela Dimova also told Radio Bulgaria details about the third premiere-Vincenzo Bellini’s masterpiece Norma:

“Our last challenge this season is linked with the premiere of Norma opera which will be held on August 22. The piece is conducted by young and talented Bulgarian conductor Viliana Valcheva, director and stage artist -Kuzman Popov, costume designer Asya Stoimenova. Daria Masiero stars as Norma. We are to use a 3D mapping for the show and are expecting a futuristic show from director Kuzman Popov.”

On August 17 we are to present at the Summer Theater Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with the divine music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. On August 20 we will present the Old Time Bulgarians piece. We close that interesting and fruitful season with the traditional gala show dedicated to the 85th birth anniversary of maestro Borislav Ivanov.

English version: Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: operavarna.com

Audio file contains the following pieces:

1: Aria and recitative of Boris Godunov-second edition of eponymous opera by Modest Mussorgsky to the rendition of Nikola Gyuzelev and the Symphonic Orchestra of the Bulgarian National Radio, conductor Ivan Marinov.

2: Overture to The Force of Destiny Opera, to the rendition of the Varna State Opera Symphonic Opera, conductor Marco Boemi

3: Leonora and Padre Guardiano duo to the rendition of Daria Masiero and Carlo Colombara

4: Leonora’s fourth act aria from The Force of Destiny Opera, to the rendition of Daria Masiero.