State Opera Burgas

The Opera-Philharmonic Society (OPS) – Burgas was established by a decree of the Council of Ministers in 2000. It brings together the city's two principal musical institutions — the Burgas Opera and the State Philharmonic. Burgas is one of the few Bulgarian cities to have its own opera and ballet theatre. The opera house, whose stage is shared with the philharmonic orchestra, is distinguished by its avant-garde design and superb acoustics.

The Society's repertoire is exceptionally rich, encompassing the most large-scale works of the world's musical classics, operetta pieces and almost the entire output of Bulgarian composers.

State Philharmonic

The Burgas Philharmonic began its work as a state institution in 1947.

Early years: The orchestra's first conductors were Dimitar Karadzhov, Vasil Lolov, Nevin Mihalev and Dimitar Karagyozov.

Golden era (1960 – 1976): Under the leadership of its principal conductor, Prof. Ivan Vulpe, the Philharmonic marked an important stage in its development. It grew in numbers, raised its professional standing and established itself as one of the most distinguished Bulgarian orchestras.

Repertoire and development: In the years that followed, the orchestra was led by such emblematic figures as Yordan Dafov, Vasil Stefanov, Ruslan Raychev and Mihail Angelov. A large part of the works by Bulgarian composers were given their premieres here.

Continuity and guest stars: In 1987 Ivan Kozhuharov became principal conductor. The conductor's podium was taken by such doyens as Prof. Vladi Simeonov, Prof. Sasha Popov, Prof. Konstantin Iliev and Dobrin Petkov, alongside a new generation of young talents. Among the world-renowned musicians who have appeared as guest conductors and soloists are Kirill Kondrashin, Emil Tchakarov, Emil Tabakov, Richard Oistrakh, Ruggiero Ricci, Rudolf Kerer, Milcho Leviev, Vesko Eshkenazy and others.

State Opera

The Society's opera division became a state institution in 1972, but its roots reach back further still.

Foundation (1955): The foundations of the amateur Burgas opera were laid on 25 June 1955 with the premiere of Verdi's La Traviata. The production was the work of local public figures and arts practitioners, among them the conductor Vasil Lolov, the director Stefan Gadularov and the designer Konstantin Dzhidrov.

Establishment: By the time it was officially taken into state ownership in 1972, 36 productions of operas, operettas and ballets had been staged. The first director of the State Opera was Lilyana Zhablenska, and the names of a galaxy of gifted artists are inscribed in the theatre's history.

Significance: The Burgas opera stage has launched the careers of numerous celebrated Bulgarian singers who went on to achieve worldwide fame.

Ballet company

The Burgas ballet company is distinguished by an original, inimitable and highly professional choreographic signature.

Beginnings: The theatre's first independent ballet production was Hertel's The Rivals, staged in 1958.

Contribution: The eminent ballet artists Lyuba Kolchakova and Dimo Vrubel were chiefly responsible for nurturing the young and talented company.

Productions: In addition to its active participation in opera and operetta productions, the ballet achieved a decisive ascent with its independent productions, among them Scheherazade, The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, Swan Lake, Nestinarka and The Nutcracker.

Mixed Choir

The Mixed Choir in Burgas was formed in 1972, at the same time as the Burgas Opera became a state institution. Today the choir of the OPS – Burgas plays a key role and takes an active part in the successful realisation of all operas, operettas and children's productions in the city.