The Bulgarian State Opera: Aida

"An enjoyable and solidly performed opera that reminds us why the operatic form still possesses strong attraction for audiences accustomed to stage realism." - Kalamazoo Gazette

Sung in Italian, with English supertitles, and featuring a live orchestra, this opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi is set in ancient Egypt, and tells a story of forbidden love between the Egyptian leader Radames and the beautiful Ethiopian princess, Aida. Aida is captured and forced to be a slave to the Pharaoh's daughter, who is also in love with Radames. When the Ethiopian enemies headed by Aida's father invade Egypt, Aida is faced with the inner conflict of supporting her father or her beloved Radames.

The opera was premiéred at the Cairo Opera House in 1871 and was first performed at La Scala, Milan in 1872, conducted by Verdi himself. Performances in New York (1873) and at London's Covent Garden (1876) were conducted by Bevignani. Exploring the universal themes of love, deception, betrayal and tragedy, this opera is still relevant to modern life today.

Established in 1996 by Ivan Kyurkchiev, the Bulgarian State Academic Opera is based on the great traditions of the art of opera in Bulgaria and presents unique productions combining the best of the opera worlds of Bulgaria and all of Europe. The performances of Bulgarian State Opera are co-productions of the major opera houses of Bulgaria, theatres where many eminent singers started their world careers, including Gena Dimitrova, Stefka Evstatieva, Vesselina Katsarova, and Nikolay Gyaurov. World-renowned singers, such as Orlin Anastassov and Dario Volonte, made their debuts in the productions of the Bulgarian State Opera - productions that were later presented on tour throughout Europe. The Bulgarian State Opera collaborates with Bulgarian opera theatres and symphony orchestras as well as opera houses in Bucharest, Budapest, Kiev, Chisinau (Moldovia) and Theatre Nemirovich-Danchenko (Russia).

The Bulgarian State Opera's roster of distinguished singers, as well as its choir, ballet and orchestra has achieved an impressive maturity in many different styles. The members of the orchestra, choir and ballet have been carefully selected from among the finest Bulgarian musicians, singers and dancers.

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