These words capture the spirit of The “Voice of Kamen” International Competition for Young Opera Singers (Tenors) - an event that is not merely a competition, but a meeting of generations, bringing together the experience of great artists and the dreams of young talents who have chosen the path of opera.
From August 20 to 27, 2026, Ruse will once again serve as the stage for an international opera dialogue, welcoming young tenors from various countries to the third edition of the competition established in memory of the world-renowned Bulgarian artist Kamen Chanev. The forum bears his name and embodies his artistic philosophy - a commitment to high artistic standards, professionalism, dedication, and integrity toward music.
Among the members of the international jury is Maestro Kaludi Kaludov - one of Bulgaria’s most prominent opera artists, whose international career spanning over 40 years has taken him to the stages of some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Vienna State Opera and La Scala. With his experience as a performer and teacher, he continues to be an inspiration to the younger generation of singers and an active participant in preserving and passing on the vocal tradition.
“The Voice of Kamen” brings together not only young singers but also established artists, directors, conductors, and representatives of leading European cultural institutions. In this convergence of the past, present, and future, the competition’s most valuable mission is born - to discover talent, to give new voices a platform, and to maintain a living connection with the legacy of Kamen Chanev.
On the eve of the third edition of “The Voice of Kamen,” we speak with Maestro Kaludi Kaludov about the power of a true tenor voice, the challenges facing young artists, the responsibility of being on stage, and what transforms a singer not merely into a performer, but a true artist.
Maestro Kaludov, you have traveled the path of a tenor - from his first steps to the major international stage. When the young singers arrive in Ruse for “The Voice of Kamen,” what would you most like to see in their performance - not just as a technique, but also as a state of mind and an attitude toward music?
First and foremost, I want to hear a beautiful, rich voice - a voice that is full-bodied and carries a powerful emotional charge: a charge of youth, musicality, heartfelt emotion, and depth. For me, a tenor must also have his own emotional confession. A tenor without that inner pain, without that “cry” in his voice, remains somehow empty. Technique is necessary, but it is the soul that makes a singer memorable.
The competition is dedicated to Kamen Chanev - a name that carries a tremendous responsibility, but also great inspiration. What is the most important message from his artistic journey that young tenors should take to heart??
Many of the participants probably never had the opportunity to meet Kamen Chanev in person. That is why it is important that they have at least been exposed to his performances - to his genius, his phrasing, and the naturalness and beauty of his sound. I hope his art inspires them and gives them the strength to show their very best. But most importantly, young singers must find their own path. They must be inspired artists, not merely imitators. Singing is a noble calling. It requires complete dedication, perseverance, and love.
You have built a remarkable international career, and today you are passing on your experience to the next generation of singers. What is the biggest challenge facing a young tenor today, and what advice would you give him?
My journey took place in a different era. Back then, we had the opportunity to work at a more leisurely pace, with more patience and a gradual approach. Today, young singers face various challenges. Sometimes the desire for quick success leads some of them to skip important stages in their development. A tenor must be patient, continue to learn, and maintain a relationship with his teacher for as long as possible. It is precisely this consistent work that shapes a true artist. One of the most important challenges is choosing the right repertoire. A singer must select roles that help them grow and preserve their voice over time. The temptation to feel like a star too soon can sometimes be dangerous. A singer’s career is a long journey, not a single moment.
The jury for “The Voice of Kamen” will bring together leading figures from various opera schools and countries. What makes an international competition truly valuable for young artists - the prize, or the opportunity to meet people who can change the course of their careers?
Opportunity comes when a singer is ready to embrace it and shoulder the responsibility that comes with it. An international competition gives young artists the chance to check their progress - to understand where they stand, where they’re headed, and what they still have yet to achieve. Everyone’s path is different. We had excellent results at the previous edition. First prizes went to Adam Walasek from Poland and Oleg Lenov from Ukraine. After the competition, they took important professional steps. Adam played the role of Macduff in “Macbeth“ at the Plovdiv Opera, and then made his debut in “La Bohème“ and “Madame Butterfly“. Oleg was accepted as a soloist at the Wrocław Opera, where in just a season and a half he sang roles in “Salome“, “La Bohème“, “Carmen“, “Halka“, and “Don Carlos“ in just a season and a half, and is now preparing for “The Tales of Hoffmann“. These are results that give us hope. I believe that this competition, too, will be a source of future successes.
Ruse will once again be a place where youth, experience, and the memory of a great Bulgarian artist come together. What emotion would you like the participants to take away from “The Voice of Kamen,” regardless of whether they are among the winners?
Ruse has always been rich in cultural events, and I am delighted to be a small part of such a significant event and of this wonderful jury. I believe that the young participants will impress us with their energy, talent, and beautiful voices. I hope the participants will sense our objectivity and honesty, and that the directors and theatre representatives, who will also be part of the competition, will discover their future soloists. My experience today is meant to serve these young artists - not to show who I once was, because time marches on. Today, I am a person who continues to be moved by the fate of singers and my students.
If you were to look back today on your first steps as a singer, what would you say to that young man who first dreamed of performing on the grand opera stage?
I don’t really like to look back, because you have to look ahead. But I would say to young singers: never give up on your dreams. Believe that one day they can become a reality. Keep working on yourself, develop your talent, and build your own unique style. Only through hard work, love, and dedication can dreams become a path forward.
