Opera

The saints Cyril and Methodius

Opera-oratorio by Jivka Klinkova

1:50 without intermission

Performed in Bulgarian

Preview

40 YEARS SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HOLY BROTHERS CYRIL AND METHODIUS AS CO-PATRONS OF EUROPE BY POPE JOHN PAUL II

The libretto of the opera-oratorio “Cyril and Methodius” is based on poetic texts from “Sacred Legends” by Venko Markovski.

Our first opera theatre gives an important sign for the role of the apostolic mission of the Holy Brothers for Bulgaria, for the rest of the Slavic world and the culture of Europe.

The presentation of this significant work is in honour of 40 years since the proclamation of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius as co-patrons of Europe by Pope John Paul II.

Pope John Paul II awarded the Jivka Klinkova’s work with a special diploma.

Synopsis

Dream and reality is the path of life. Time is the age of the world.

An uneven path is the trace of Man. Conscience is world and height.

The action takes place in the IX century in Thessaloniki, Great Moravia, Rome and Bulgaria.

After the Pope's permission to preach Christ's teachings in the Slavic language, Constantine is very tired and foresees his end.

He sinks into dreams about his childhood, about the life choice – a dream about the temptations of life, appearing as six beauties, about the beauty Sophia – the wisdom, who was accompanying him throughout his difficult life.

In the culmination of his hallucinations about the disputes with the Khazars, Jews and Saracens, in his visions his mother and Sophia come to the rescue. Methodius reassures him and reminds him of his solemn welcome in Great Moravia by Prince Rostislav.

Cyril and Methodius then return to their memories of Rome and the successful debate and the blessing of Pope Adrian.

The disciples, fulfilling the Covenant of Constantine, continue the work begun among the Slavic peoples.

Prince Boris I solemnly welcomes Kliment and Naum in Bulgaria.

He assigns Kliment to found the Ohrid School and Naum – the Preslav School.

The spirit from the flesh is indivisible. Barriers breaks down time.

The broken spirit is unbreakable.

Bulgaria opens its doors to an all-Slavic epopee!

/from “Sacred Legends” – Venko Markovski/

See all