This past weekend Bansko was host to the sixth edition of the Bansko Opera Fest and this year, it lasted one day longer than usual. The festival featured a brilliant opening performance of the world-famous classical ballet “Don Quixote” on Thursday evening by the ballet of the State Opera Rousse, with soloists Vesela Vasileva, Stoyan Fartunov and Svetoslav Marinov. The second evening continued with the most famous French opera production “Carmen” by Georges Bizet, represented by the State Opera Varna under the direction of conductor Svetoslav Borisov. The festival ended on Saturday evening with the debut placement of the operetta “The Czardas Queen” by Emmerich Kalman, performed again by the State Opera Rousse conducted by Nayden Todorov.
The festival introduced again some of the biggest names in the Bulgarian opera, including Daniela Dyakova, Ivan Momirov, Geo Chobanov, Svilen Nikolov, Ivan Kabamitov, Irina Jekova, Philipa Rujenova, Silvia Angelova, Maria Cvetkova, Marcho Apostolov, Daniela Karaivanova, Iolanta Nikolaeva, Aleksandar Mutafchiiski and many others. Residents and guests of the town filled the central square every evening until the last minute of the performances, captivated by the magic of the classical music and the fabulous performance of over 250 musicians, ballet dancers and soloists.
The stars of the Bulgarian opera were accommodated at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko, which was amongst the main organisers of the festival together with Bansko Municipality and music company Monte Music.
Bansko Opera Fest is free of charge for the audience and deservedly became one of the largest classic forums in Bulgaria, attracting more and more opera fans in the resort centre every year.
The recently appointed general manager of Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko, Mr Carsten Seubert commented, “I am newcomer to the city and for the first time, I saw the incredible opera performances during Bansko Opera Fest. I am very impressed by what I have seen and I am very proud that the hotel contributes to this amazing event. Herewith, I would like to add that Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko will continue to support the festival, as it is now a tradition! Amongst other cultural events and activities during the summer, it contributes to the establishing of Bansko as a year-round tourist destination.”
