On Sunday, November 16, at 7:00 p.m., in the Opera Hall, the State Opera Ruse will welcome exceptional guests from the State Music Centre – Batumi, who will present a concert entitled “The Voices of Georgia.” The event is part of a cultural exchange between Bulgaria and Georgia and promises an evening filled with warmth, emotion, and virtuosity.
Soloists:
Irma Djenti, Lela Sikharulidze, Salome Saladze, Lela Vashakmadze, Inga Djahutashvili, Eter Kkhalvashi, Archil Gogitidze, Otar Nakashidze
Piano accompaniment:
Nino Chaidze, Nino Nishnianidze, Marina Kikava, Nana Kvirikadze
The program features vocal works by Georgian and European composers, divided into two parts – the first will showcase the richness of Georgian musical tradition, while the second will present some of the most beautiful arias by Verdi, Bizet, Gounod, Puccini, Mascagni, and Leoncavallo.
An interesting historical detail is that in the 1950s, the State Opera Ruse included in its repertoire the popular Georgian comic opera “Keto and Kote,” which was performed with great success. More than half a century later, fragments of this classical work of Georgian musical and theatrical art will once again come to life on the Ruse stage.
State Music Centre – Batumi is essentially an opera and ballet theatre in Batumi, also known as the Centre for Arts and Music.
The Art Centre in Batumi hosts classical and contemporary performances, youth theatre productions, opera performances, symphonic and folk concerts, as well as musicals. Soloists from around the world are also invited to perform on its stage, for example during the event “The Duel of Tenors and Baritones.”
Many tourists are attracted not only by the theatre’s diverse and rich repertoire but also by the building’s unique and elegant architecture, which is beautifully highlighted at night by its intricate façade lighting.
It is worth noting that, in addition to the Centre for Arts and Music, Batumi also has a puppet theatre, a drama theatre, and a summer theatre, all located along Batumi Boulevard.
The State Music Centre Batumi was established in 2004 through the merger of the Batumi State Chapel, the ballet companies of the Batumi Opera and the State Ballet Theatre, as well as the Children’s and Youth Music Centre (later renamed the Youth Musical Theatre in 2008). At the end of 2007, by order of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, the Zurab Anjaparidze Opera Studio and the quartet Nota were also incorporated into the Batumi Music Centre.
Originally, the theatre building was a modest structure in the style of Socialist Realism. In 2010–2011, extensive renovations were carried out (designed by Vakhtang Khmaladze), transforming the architectural style of the Batumi Music Centre towards Art Nouveau. The renovated theatre building was inaugurated with the premiere of the new production “Keto and Kote,” directed by David Doiashvili, based on Viktor Dolidze’s operatic version, with new musical arrangements by Archil Kereselidze.
The Republic of Adjara has always been renowned for its singing traditions, so the establishment of such an institution, uniting several creative organizations, marked the first stage in the revival of Georgian culture.
Today, the two main areas of activity of the Batumi State Music Centre are exhibition and concert work.
The building of the Batumi Centre for Arts has a unique appearance: a light-colored façade with tall arches above the entrance, enriched with numerous glass elements. The scale and grandeur of the structure inevitably draw the attention of every passerby. The theatre building is beautifully illuminated at night, leading some tourists to compare it to a fairytale crystal palace.
After the renovation of the Centre in 2011, its main hall was equipped with modern technology and fitted with 1,100 seats featuring unique and comfortable Spanish-style armchairs upholstered in luxurious velvet. The hall is illuminated by a large crystal chandelier custom-made in Spain. The third floor of the Batumi Centre for Arts and Music has been transformed into an exhibition space that can also host pop and jazz concerts. Well-known Georgian bands and young musicians often rehearse and perform there.
Many visitors to the Batumi Centre for Arts and Music emphasize the exceptional festive atmosphere that always prevails there.
Friendly Exchange Between Batumi and Ruse
Baritone Otar Nakashidze, Artistic Director of the Batumi Opera Company, shares:
“We have a modern and beautiful theatre that we would be delighted to present to our Bulgarian partners. We plan to establish friendly relations and develop cooperation with the State Opera Ruse. We hope that our meeting in Ruse will mark the beginning of future joint projects.”
The concert “The Voices of Georgia” will unite the cultural traditions of the two countries, highlighting the kinship between the Bulgarian and Georgian musical spirit.
Date: Sunday, November 16
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Opera Hall, Ruse
FREE ENTRY
Reserve your seat at the Opera box office or online HERE
