With the reprise of “Eugene Onegin” by P. I. Tchaikovsky, the State Opera – Ruse once again presents the audience with one of the most beloved works in the world opera repertoire – a performance that carries not only the beauty of Tchaikovsky's music but also the living memory of the Ruse Opera. The production is a recreation of the legendary 1956 performance that inaugurated the opera house – a kind of tribute to the tradition, history, and generations of artists who have left their mark on this stage.
Among the soloists in the production is the tenor Ivan Penchev, who makes his debut in the role of Lensky – one of the most lyrical and moving characters in opera literature. A role marked by youth, romance, poetry, and tragic sensitivity, which for the singer is a long-awaited and deeply personal encounter. Especially emotional is the presence of his wife Gloria Pencheva in the role of Olga. Thus, the on-stage love between Lensky and Olga intertwines with the real-life closeness of two artists who share both life and the stage.
We are talking with Ivan Penchev about his debut as Lensky, about the magic of Tchaikovsky, about the romance of the era, and about the responsibility of being part of a performance with significant meaning for the State Opera – Ruse.
The role of Lensky is a dream for many tenors. What does this debut mean to you, and which feeling is the strongest in the days around the performance?
I don't know if it is a dream for all tenors, but for me it was certainly one of the great longings. This is a role that I feel very close to myself and I have long awaited the moment when I could truly touch it. Every debut is exciting, especially when it is connected to such a significant performance, because it carries great responsibility and strong emotion. The production by director Plamen Beykov is extremely beautiful and very carefully constructed. We are working in a wonderful atmosphere, with incredible colleagues, and I believe that true magic will be born on stage. For me, the most important thing is to be sincere in what I do, and to give everything of myself – both as an artist and as a person.
Lensky is an image of youth, romance, and tragic sensitivity. What in his character do you find closest to yourself as an artist and a person?
Yes, Lensky is extremely close to my essence. He is a romantic, in love, emotional, gallant person who lives through his feelings. Only perhaps I am not quite as jealous of my Olga in real life. I have always felt a particular nostalgia for that era. It seems to me that back then everything was more beautiful – the relationships between people, the gestures, the upbringing, the chivalry, the closeness to love. There was poetry in everyday life and a special spirituality in human relationships. Sometimes I even think that I was meant to be born in another time. And Tchaikovsky's music in this masterpiece is simply brilliant. It always shakes me and makes me shiver. There is incredible depth, dramaturgy, and sensitivity in it. This music gives the singer the opportunity to express the finest and most genuinely human emotions.
In 'Eugene Onegin,' Lensky and Olga are a couple in love, and on the stage next to you will also be your wife, Gloria Pencheva, in the role of Olga. Does this make the experience more emotional, and especially for the two of you?
Yes, this is a huge happiness and another fulfilled dream for us. It is not the first time we are a stage couple, but every time is special and different. When the person you love in life is next to you on stage, the emotion becomes much more real and deep.
Gloria knows the role of Olga perfectly – she debuted in it while still a student on the stage of the Sofia Opera and Ballet, which was a great success and a huge pride for all of us. For me, it is a true joy that we will share this performance together as well. I believe that the audience will feel the closeness between us, because there are things that cannot be acted out – they are simply felt.
The audience in Ruse will see a re-enactment of the historical production from 1956. What responsibility and what inspiration does participating in a performance with such symbolism for the Ruse State Opera bring you?
First of all, I want to thank the management of the State Opera – Ruse for the trust and the opportunity to once again be part of this team. I also owe special thanks to Mr. Plamen Beikov, who worked very thoroughly and individually with me – both on the character and on the vocal construction of the role. For an artist, inspiration is vitally important in order to be able to unfold their soul on stage. My greatest inspiration in life is my children. And the responsibility here is immense, because the Ruse Opera is an institution of exceptionally high standards in every respect – soloists, choir, orchestra, overall spirit. It is an honor for me to have been part of this family for nine years now.
I do want, however, to open a very personal parenthesis. I dedicate this debut in the role of Lensky to my beloved professor Ilka Popova, from whom I parted a month ago. She was not only my teacher at the Conservatory but also my spiritual guide in the opera world. A person who left a deep mark on my life and on my path as an artist. That is why on May 14 I will sing for her – with love, gratitude, and faith that she will hear me, wherever she is. Good luck to all of us, and forward with God!
