The first premiere of "Masked Ball" in the history of Stara Zagora Opera
News публикувана на: 09.03.2020
Go back
On 4 March the active rehearsals for the upcoming premiere of the State Opera Stara Zagora in this 95th season of the Opera's history began. The director of "Bal with masks" by G. Verdi is Slavcho Nikolov, conductor Ivaylo Krinchev, set and costume designer Katalin Ionescu-Arbore /Romania/, plastic Romina Slavova, concertmaster Rumen Kakamakov, choirmaster Mladen Stanev.
The first premiere of "Masked Ball" on the stage of the State Opera-Stara Zagora was on 23 March 1959.
The next premiere was on 1 October 1964, conducted by Dimitar Dimitrov, directed by Georgi Petrov, painter Assen Popov, choirmaster Ivan Dimov.
On 15 February 1996 was the last premiere of "Ball with masks" in Stara Zagora. Conductor is Veselin Baichev, director Svetlozar Donev - guest, artist Ivan Popov - guest, choirmaster Bogdana Popova.
Here is a review of the 1959 premiere production.
... "Masked Ball," though it lacks the social poignancy and democratic pathos of Verdi's most treasured works, is valuable material for unfolding, first and foremost, the vocal possibilities of the performers. The theatre's management, the production company and all involved in the production can be congratulated on a meaningful and thoroughly professional production.
First of all, the work of the conductor Ruslan Raychev has to be mentioned. What is valuable in his leadership of this opera performance is that he subordinates all the means of expression in soloists, chorus and orchestra to a common conception, to the full disclosure of the musical dramaturgy . The vocal phrasing in the soloists is emotionally intense and always meaningful, and the orchestra convincingly complements the stage characters and builds to the climaxes the composer assigns.
The success of the performance is also due to the overall concept, wisely given by director and conductor and fully professionally embodied on stage. Starting from the author's conception, the producers rightly focus their attention not on the historical setting but on the psychological drama of the main characters.
...M. Minev in the role of King Richard is an unquestionable success. Although the part carries certain difficulties and risks, thanks to his technique and judiciously achieved nuances the artist-singer satiates the ear and convinces the audience.
Emil Boshnakov, Bulgarian Music Magazine, 1959, No. 4, p. 29030
