site.btaSofia Opera to Perform Die Walkure to Sold Out Theatre in Zagreb

Eleven days before the official opening of the new season, the Sofia Opera will perform at the Croatian National Theatre. The troupe will present its acclaimed production of Die Walkure, a performance that has already garnered enthusiastic reviews ahead of its visit to Zagreb, according to the company.

According to members of the troupe, Wagner enthusiasts from Europe and America have already given high praise to the production directed by Plamen Kartaloff. Some have even seen it multiple times - both during performances in Bulgaria and during the international tours of the Bulgarian artists with this show.

That, they say, is the reason why all tickets were sold out a full week before the Sofia Opera's arrival in the Croatian capital.

Organizers of the opera festival in Zagreb note that the interest in the Bulgarian performance is truly impressive, especially since Wagner’s Die Walkure hasn’t been staged in Croatia for over 20 years. As a result, this will be the first time the new generation of Croatian opera-goers will experience the work and it will be through a performance by the Sofia Opera and Ballet.

Yesterday, the troupe held its first stage rehearsal in Zagreb.

“The exceptionally beautiful theatre is in the Neo-Baroque style and was designed by Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. They were true stars of their time and the creators of many theatres across Central and Eastern Europe.

The unique atmosphere of the auditorium inspired the artists of the Sofia Opera and helped them work with enthusiasm and dedication to adapt their Die Walkure to the new stage space, which differs significantly in size from the stage in Sofia.

“However, this will not prevent the production from being presented in its full glory to the Croatian audience,” commented representatives of the Bulgarian National Opera.

In the leading roles, the Croatian audience will see: Martin Iliev as Siegmund, Alma-Lisa Bandalovska as Sieglinde, Gergana Rusekova as Brünnhilde, Olafur Sigurdarson as Wotan, Bjarni Thor as Hunding.

The performance in Zagreb will also mark the debut of Lilia Kehayova in the role of Fricka.

The conductor of the production will be Evan-Alexis Christ.