Sometimes an idea is born not just from a dream, but from a promise. Such is the case with the “Voice of Kamen” International Competition for Young Opera Singers (Tenors), established in memory of the world-renowned Bulgarian tenor Kamen Chanev. Following his untimely passing in 2020, the competition became a cause that his wife, Tanya Ivanova, dedicated to fulfilling his final wish - to provide a stage and an opportunity for young tenors and to preserve the values he believed in: honesty toward art, humility before music, and uncompromising professionalism.
From August 20 to 27, Ruse will host the third edition of the competition, which already attracts young performers from around the world, a prestigious international jury, and representatives of leading European opera houses. In addition to the competition rounds, the program includes a performance of “Tosca“, the unique “The Artist and the City” format, and a gala concert featuring the winners, which will symbolically take place on August 27 - Kamen Chanev’s birthday.
We speak with Tanya Ivanova - an internationally acclaimed soprano, wife of Kamen Chanev, and founder of - about memory that becomes the future, the responsibility of carrying on the legacy of a great artist, and the “Voice of Kamen” mission. Kamen Chanev Foundation and the driving force behind the competition, which is already inspiring a new generation of opera singers.
Ms. Ivanova, the competition bears Kamen Chanev’s name, but it also embodies his spirit. When you see young tenors taking the stage with their dreams, do you sometimes recognize something of Kamen in them - his courage, talent, or attitude toward music?
Thank you for the invitation and for the opportunity to talk about Kamen Chanev, the Ruse State Opera, and the third edition of the “Voice of Kamen” competition. If asked whether I recognize qualities in young tenors that remind me of Kamen, I would answer as follows:
Kamen used to say that "All tenors were born of the same mother"He himself was a winner of the prestigious “Jussi Björling” Tenor Competition in Sweden. He used to say that when so many tenors gathered in one place there, he realized that they all shared the same fears, similar problems, and the same anxieties. This reassured him greatly, and he told himself: "I am not the only one - we are all the same." That’s why I think tenors are alike. They’re like a unique community - I’d even say a caste. I saw this for myself during the first two editions of the competition. When so many tenors gather in one place, the atmosphere is truly special - filled with mutual understanding, respect, and a unique energy.
This year, the competition is coming to Ruse for the first time - a city with an exceptional opera tradition. What message would you like the young singers to take with them from Bulgaria and from the stage of the Ruse Opera?
Yes, this year’s competition will take place in Ruse. I’d like to extend a special thank you to the director of the Ruse Opera, Plamen Beikov, who suggested that the event be held there. I’m very happy because Ruse was one of Kamen’s favourite cities, and the Ruse Opera held a special place in his heart. The idea is for each edition of the competition to be held in a different city, so that it can reach a wider audience and promote the art of opera in different parts of Bulgaria. I would very much like these young tenors, when they arrive in Bulgaria and in Ruse, to feel at home - to be welcomed warmly, to feel at ease and comfortable, and to leave with wonderful memories and a desire to return.
One of the most beautiful ideas in the competition’s program is the “The Artist and the City” tour, in which participants showcase not only their voices but also their personalities. In your opinion, what sets a great artist apart - precise technique or the ability to touch people’s hearts?
Regarding your third question - the third round, “The Artist and the City” - it proved to be a very successful and effective idea right from the competition’s first edition. When we were preparing the first edition, we discussed at length whether to include such a format. There were differing opinions and some hesitation, but we eventually became convinced that the decision was the right one. The reason is that this way, the city begins to embrace the competition and recognize it as its own event. And for the tenors themselves, the encounter with the audience is more like a real concert than a competitive test. This frees them up, allowing them to be more natural and to showcase their artistry. As for the question of whether technique or connection with the audience is more important, in my opinion, both are equally significant. Today, an artist must not only possess impeccable vocal technique but also be able to connect with the audience, feel at ease on stage, and build an emotional connection with their listeners.
Based on my experience with the two previous editions, I can say that the difference between the tenors’ performances in the first two - strictly competitive - rounds and in the third round is striking. They take the stage much more confidently, more at ease, and reveal their true artistic nature. That is precisely why I am glad that this third round is an integral part of the competition.
Not only are you continuing your international career, but you’re also devoting a great deal of energy to the “Voice of Kamen” cause. Is there a moment when you feel that this competition is no longer just a memory of a great tenor, but a vibrant future for the next generation of opera stars?
I would very much like the “Voice of Kamen” competition to have a very long life. Because for me, this is a duty, a mission, and a cause. Those were Kamen’s last words and his final wish - that I organize a tenor competition in his name. It would be wonderful if the competition had a long life and Kamen’s name continued to live on. In fact, that is the whole idea behind the competition.
След всички години на сцената и след всичко, което животът Ви поднесе, какво бихте искали младите тенори, които идват в Русе, да запомнят не само за конкурса „Гласът на Камен“, а и за човека Камен Чанев?
Kamen was an exceptional person - modest, dedicated, and endlessly demanding of his own work. He was kind-hearted, respectful, and sincerely loved his colleagues. He often said that every work, every role, and every composer must be approached with humility and deep respect. That is precisely why we established the “Honesty to Art” Award - because it embodied his very essence. Kamen lived and created with that honesty.
Tазват, че един артист е жив, докато името му продължава да вдъхновява други. Когато на 27 август чуете имената на новите лауреати, какво ще означава това за Вас – като съпруга, като артист и като човек, който пази паметта на Камен Чанев?
The gala concert is scheduled for August 27 - a date chosen for a very specific reason. It is Kamen’s birthday, which is precisely why it holds such strong symbolic significance. I hope this concert will be the natural culmination of the competition - with the announcement of the winners and a festive gathering on stage. I believe it will become a major and memorable cultural event for Ruse, one that will remain in the hearts of both the participants and the audience.
