The production of State Opera Ruse, featuring songs and arias from some of the most famous musicals, will this time be presented in three Bulgarian cities, including the capital.
On stage with Raffi Bohosyan are the orchestra and choir of State Opera Ruse, conducted by Viliana Valtchevaalong with the soloists Daniela Karaivanova and Boris Lukov.
The program includes songs from The Lion King, Hair, All That Jazz, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Mamma Mia!, Beauty and the Beast, as well as hits by Elton John, Queen, Frankie Valli, and ABBA.
Here is what Maestra Viliana Valtcheva shared on the eve of the autumn tour of the concert production “Live on Broadway”:
Another tour of the concert production “Live on Broadway” with Raffi Bohosyan and soloists from State Opera Ruse. The events so far have attracted great interest, and in October and November, the tour will continue across the country. Did you ever expect that this concert production would have such a long life and receive so many wonderful reviews?
I always believe in everything I do and undertake. If I don’t have confidence that it will succeed, it’s better not to start at all. This project is not just my idea. Raffi and I worked hard on it, and none of it would have been possible without the tremendous technical support of Momchil Milanov and everyone involved, both in front of and behind the stage. Honestly, when the tour and our performances with this concert production come to an end, I will miss it a lot.
You conduct exceptional events in the classical genre. How do you feel navigating the waters of musical theatre, where the style is quite different, with, I would say, a greater touch of entertainment?
It is a very specific and complex style, for which there are actually specializations in music universities and specialized programs. It requires particular knowledge, vocal technique, and a different singing style. For us, it is truly the greatest challenge to get as close as possible to this style.
Which cities in Bulgaria will you delight this time with the beautiful music of Broadway?
This time, we will visit Varna (October 11), Pleven (October 15), and finally Sofia (November 28). I can’t wait to get started!
Tell us about your work with Raffi. You have been together in this concert production for quite some time now. What is it like working with him and with the other soloists and musicians of State Opera Ruse?
Raffi is an outstanding professional, and from the very first moment, we worked together in the best possible way. I greatly admire his calmness, spontaneity, and dedication. Of course, I also have the honor and privilege of working with our brilliant soloists, choir, and orchestra, which together create this truly impressive production.
Do You have a favorite song or aria from this project?
I love all the songs in the program; they have been very skillfully selected by Raffi, and I cannot single out one to rank first. We have worked on each piece with great love and dedication, and they all hold a special place in my heart.
Have you thought about a follow-up event as a continuation of this project?
We are thinking about it, and it will be a surprise.
Photo: Archive of State Opera Ruse
