site.btaSofia Opera's Electra Receives Grand Prize at International Opera Festival in Daegu, Korea

The Sofia Opera's production of Electra by Richard Strauss received the grand prize at the International Opera Festival in Daegu, Korea, the Sofia Opera said.
The 20th anniversary edition of the festival took place between October 6 and November 11. 

This year, the programme included two productions of works by Richard Strauss (Salome and Electra), and three by Giuseppe Verdi (Rigoletto, Macbeth and Othello). Traditionally, the festival ends with a gala concert and an award ceremony in several categories, including best young singer, best new singer, best singer in a supporting role, best singer in a central role, an award for operatic achievement, and the grand prize.

The host of the ceremony noted that this is the first production of this opera in the 75-year history of opera in Korea and said that it made a great impression on opera lovers.

“I am delighted to express my deepest gratitude to the Saya Opera Awards for giving us the grand prize for Electra, a production of the Sofia Opera, because this work connects the Daegu Opera Festival, the Daegu Opera and the Sofia Opera. I believe in our future cooperation," said Plamen Kartalov in a video call.

There was another award for Bulgaria, in the Best New Singer category, for Diana Lamar, who performed the role of Elektra. “I would like to thank the Saya Cultural Foundation for giving me this award. In this way, my hard work and all the love and passion I put into playing the role of Elektra was recognised. I will keep this experience forever in my heart,” said Diana Lamar.