We share chosen moments and viewers’ impressions of the performance of “The Hermit of Rila” which took place on the 1st of August.
The performance of “The Hermit of Rila” began with the solemn sound of the “St. Alexander Nevsky” cathedral bells.
The viewers who had filled the stands to their limit experienced a spiritual triumph as they followed the thrilling musical poem dedicated to the Rila Miracle Worker’s passionary and were left in awe by the production and the depth of its messages, leading to them spontaneously sharing their opinion.
“It’s hard for me to express the awe and joy of this happening here in Sofia, Bulgaria. This is a celebration of our faith.”
“This is a historic moment which will never be forgotten.”
“A prayer for Bulgaria, for the entire Bulgarian people, a prayer of kindness and prosperity.”
“A deep spiritual experience.”
“Pieces like the “Hermit of Rila” are not only a joy for the mind and soul but also a reason to deeply think and reflect on the centuries-old spiritual and moral foundations of orthodox nation and the historical path we have trodden; this is especially relevant regarding the times we live in. The sacred symbols of holiness and true greatness we have in the face of persons such as the venerable St. John of Rila, the Miracle Worker are also our natural criteria and landmarks in the times we live in”, patriarch Daniil wrote, especially for the event.
“The Hermit of Rila” sounds like a call to our contemporaries so that we may all feel St. John’s cleansing love with deep pride and sacred intimacy, with the power of his beneficial kindness and his prayers of faith and hope in the Bulgarian people, for a true Bulgaria”, director Plamen Kartaloff said.
“The entire performance is actually a prayer. During a service, we praise God through prayers, sermons and chants. The same way, here we are inspired as one big family through these texts and score by what the reverent John has experienced on Earth: he is a messenger of prayer in front of God, in the name of all of us”, composer Father Kiril Popov explained the performance’s message. “In the Orthodox church, we definitely have acapella chant performances during service. However, when we’re outside the temple, like in this case, this poem can be dressed in a score with the help of an orchestra. Such is the idea of the libretto’s author Tihimir Pavlov. By setting this musical poem together with the Sofia Opera, we’re fulfilling the wishes of our predecessors.”
The premiere of “The Hermit of Rila” by Father Kiril Popov in Plamen Kartaloff’s director’s concept took place in 2023; since 2024, the piece is a regular part of the “Opera at the Square” festival, enjoying a continued interest and sold-out performances.
“I’ve always said that open stage performances have a different sensibility to them in the way one recreates and express the opera libretto away from the theatrical stage. This place is a completely natural and logical environment where the musical poem’s vibrations and messages dedicated to the venerable St. John of Rila, the Miracle Worker’s feats can become one with the temple’s impressive and pleasing to God architecture, with the temple taking an active part in the production while also being part of the stage. Just looking towards the cathedral should powerful and impactful enough for the senses and nothing could recreate the grandeur of this view. The holiness of this architecture is a lucky chance for turning it into an impressive décor, with a new life and a transforming function in the spirituality of the piece whose text and score resonate in complete unity with the building’s architecture.
The space at “St. Alexander Nevsky” square and the beautiful cathedral towering over it requires additional, mandatory director’s and scenography components: they are all created by artistic fantasy and invention and are bound to the performance’s concept, established especially for this place. The décors which convince the viewers when the libretto and the episodes of the saint’s passionary, path and feats come to life, are entirely new in relation to the space at “St. Alexander Nevsky” square.
An abridged version of “The Hermit of Rila” is part of the Sofia Opera repertoire for the youngest viewers and it also enjoys great interest.
On the 17th of October, the musical poem “The Hermit of Rila” will once again be performed at the Sofia Opera, two days before the 19th of October: the greatest holiday praising the saint. On this date, the holy protector of all Bulgarians’ timeless relics were carried from Rila to Sredets and were laid to rest at the “St. Luke the Apostle” church. This happened around 969-972.
This performance, as well as all other performances of “The Hermit of Rila” throughout this year are dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of St. John of Rila, the Miracle Worker’s birth and to the 1080th anniversary of his succession.
Tickets: https://www.operasofia.bg/repertoire/1057
Photos:
St. John of Rila, passionary icon, Rila Monastery, Bulgaria – 17th – 18th century.
“St. John of Rila’s succession”, icon, Rila Monastery, Bulgaria, 18th century.
