Author: Ivan Varbanov, The News BG Reporter
THE SOFIA OPERA AND BALLET WILL AWARD TO RENATO BRUSON A GOLDEN PLAQUETTE FOR OVERALL CONTRIBUTION
The legendary opera singer Renato Bruson will receive the special honorary distinction of the Sofia Opera and Ballet – Golden Plaquette. The Award is handed out for overall contribution of the leading Italian baritone to the world operatic art. The Golden Plaquette of the Sofia Opera and Ballet will be handed out for the first time this year at a special ceremony, which will be part of the festive concert for the opening of the jubilee 130th season of the national cultural institute.
Renato Bruson is among the greatest opera voices in the world and was defined as one of the most significant baritones of the Verdi repertoire. He will arrive in Bulgaria in response of the personal invitation of the Director of the Sofia Opera and Ballet – Plamen Kartaloff. They were working together in the distant 2005, when the Bulgarian opera director staged “Nabucco” at the Opera Festival in Piazza Grande – Festival di Oderzo.
Laureate of the Golden Plaquette of the Sofia Opera and Ballet will be also the mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick (Metropolitan Opera). The eminent bel canto performer will appear at the opening musical Gala evening, dedicated to the 90th Anniversary of Maestro Nicolai Ghiaurov. In the musical event on 20 September will take part three generations of artists, who have worked with Nicolai Ghiaurov during the years. Under the baton of Maestro Elio Boncompagni will sing: Daniela Mazzucato (La Scala), Max René Cosotti, Zvetelina Vassileva, Orlin Anastasov, Kaludi Kaludov, Dimitar Stanchev, Petar Buchkov, Svetozar Rangelov, Radostina Nikolaeva, Kostadin Andreev, Aleksandrina Stoyanova-Andreeva, Atanas Mladenov, Angel Hristov, Davide Ryu from Raina Kabaivanska’s school, orchestra and chorus of the Sofia Opera and Ballet with chorus master Violeta Dimitrova.
On 13 September there was the 90th Anniversary of the great Bulgarian bass Nicolai Ghiaurov. The opera ace with world fame is thankful to Hristo Brambarov, who discovered his talent and supported his first steps. In 1955, at the competition in Paris, where he was awarded the Big Prize, the President of the jury Toti Dal Monte declared: “Ghiaurov in many aspects – in givens, timbre, colour of the voice, interpretation, emotion and expression is better than Chaliapin”. Karajan inscribed one of the opera scores with one word: “Unrivalled!”. He was born in Velingrad. He said that one cannot choose the place where he was born, as well who to be his parents. In interviews he declared: “My country is Bulgaria. I often walk incognito in the town, where I was born, where I am charging myself with special energy and Light. I am connecting myself with my roots. I love Italy, because there I devoted myself to art. This country gave me the maximum. La Scala is the greatest opera institute in the world.” He debuted on the stage of the Sofia Opera in 1956, and four years later – at La Scala in Milan. In his repertoire he has all biggest bass parts. His performances remain a summit in operatic art.
The festive events at the occasion of the opening of season 2019/2020 of the Sofia Opera and Ballet will take place on 20 September at 19:00 h. The tickets are in sale at the Ticket box of the Opera at 1, Vrabcha Str., as well as at the ticket offices of EasyPay in the whole country, in the net of eventim.bg, as well as on the Opera’s website: operasofia.bg
Author: Ivan Varbanov