Burgas, Bulgaria – June 4, 2025 — On Thursday evening, June 5, at 7 p.m., the stage of the State Opera – Burgas will come alive with the passionate strains of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Il Trovatore,” one of the most dramatic and musically intense operas in the classical canon. Under the direction of the acclaimed conductor Ivan Kozhuharov, the performance promises to be a stirring blend of musical brilliance and theatrical mastery.
This production of Il Trovatore brings together a stellar cast of soloists and creatives, delivering a powerful retelling of the tragic tale of love, vengeance, and destiny. The opera revolves around the fate of Manrico, the mysterious troubadour; his mother Azucena, a gypsy woman haunted by a past crime; the noble Leonora, who is torn between duty and love; and Count di Luna, Manrico’s bitter rival. As the story unfolds, themes of war, mistaken identity, and doomed romance interlace in classic Verdi fashion.
Valery Georgiev, a distinguished soloist with both the State Opera – Varna and the Burgas Opera, takes on the demanding title role of Manrico. His performance is expected to be emotionally gripping, embodying the character’s heroic resolve and tragic destiny. Opposite him, soprano Maria Tsvetkova-Madzharova will portray Leonora, bringing both vocal beauty and emotional depth to her role as the ill-fated lover.
Making his debut as the conflicted Count di Luna is rising baritone Andrei Yurkovsky. Though relatively new to the Burgas Opera, Yurkovsky has quickly gained recognition for his rich tone and stage presence. Mezzo-soprano Daniela Dyakova will perform as Azucena, one of Verdi’s most complex female roles, whose haunting past and fierce maternal love drive the opera’s dramatic core.
The cast also includes Diman Panchev as Ferrando, the palace guard whose narration sets the tone for the unfolding tragedy. Mezzo-soprano Lina Peeva, who also serves as assistant director, will appear as Ines, Leonora’s loyal confidante. Supporting roles will be filled by Milen Dinolov (Ruiz), Nikolay Nikolov (Old Gypsy), and Valyu Totev (Herald).
The performance is enhanced by the orchestra, choir, and ballet of the State Opera – Burgas. The choral segments, critical in heightening the opera’s dramatic atmosphere, are under the direction of Alexander Chepanov. Ivan Savov provides both the staging and scenography, integrating symbolic elements and historical detail. Costumes will reflect the era faithfully, further immersing audiences in the medieval Spanish setting. Plastic movement is choreographed by Galina Kalcheva, while Marina Zmeeva-Markova oversees the ballet troupe.
For those who miss the June 5 staging, the production will be performed again under the open sky at the historic Begliktash sanctuary during the “Opera of the Sanctuary” festival on August 2. The festival, now in its sixth year, is a collaboration between the State Opera – Burgas and the Municipality of Primorsko, offering audiences a unique cultural experience in one of Bulgaria’s most atmospheric ancient sites.
With its rich music, captivating story, and powerful performances, “Il Trovatore” promises an unforgettable evening for opera lovers in Burgas.