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 be the venue for the international […]

Emil Zhelev was born on July 20, 1974, in Sofia. Soprano Roza Mitova was his first singing teacher, who sparked his interest in opera. He studied at the Lyubomir Pipkov National Music School and graduated from the Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music in the opera singing class of Prof. Blagovesta Karnobatlova. Emil Zhelev is one of […]

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 his final […]

Petar Lukanov was born on October 22, 1931, in the village of Brusartsi. He attended the Lom Boys’ High School, played the violin, accordion, and trombone, and was a member of the school’s brass band and dance troupe. After nationalization, the family moved to Sofia. As the son of a kulak, Petar Lukanov was denied the opportunity to continue his education and […]

On June 29, the Ruse State Opera will celebrate Danube Day with a special symphonic concert featuring works by Korngold, Liszt, Bartók, and Strauss, as well as the ballet suite “Vendetta” by Bulgarian composer Konstantin Kazanski. Conducted by Ukki Sachedina and featuring soloist Maxim Tzekov, the concert highlights […]

On June 29, on International Danube Day, the Ruse State Opera invites the public to a festive symphony concert at the Philharmonic Hall, which brings together musical messages from various European cultures and eras. Under the baton of Ukki Sachedina, the Ruse Opera Orchestra will present a program inspired by the spirit of the Danube - the river that connects peoples, traditions […]

At the end of this week, the “Stage Under the Stars” Festival will treat the audience to a true celebration of opera. On June 26 at 9:00 p.m., the square in front of the Opera House will become the stage for the “3 TENORS – Gala Evening” concert, which brings together impressive voices, beloved opera arias, and popular canzonets under the baton of Dimitar Kosev […]

An unforgettable evening of music awaits the residents of Ruse and visitors to the city! On June 26 at 9:00 p.m., the square in front of the Opera House will be transformed into an open-air stage, where the three tenors Boris Lukov, Mihail Mihaylov, and Petar Kostov will perform the most beloved opera arias and popular Italian songs. Conducted by Dimitar Kosev and accompanied by the Orchestra of […]

We continue our series of quick interviews with the artists who will take the stage at “3 Tenors – Gala Evening” as part of the “Stage Under the Stars” festival in the square in front of the Ruse State Opera. Today we introduce you to Petar Kostov—the second tenor among the three performers—who shares his perspective on their stage partnership and the development of the musical […]

The Ruse State Opera’s ballet production of “Cinderella” was performed to great acclaim as part of the fifth edition of the prestigious Bucharest Opera Festival, which this year is being held under the theme “Love Affairs.” On the stage of the National Opera in the Romanian capital, the ballet company and orchestra of our opera house, conducted by Maestro Dimitar Kosev, captivated […]