Another triumph, inscribed in the annals of the State Opera - Burgas - the International Opera Competition, bearing the name of the legendary Bulgarian baritone Stoyan Popov, is now a reality. The third edition of this prestigious competition for young opera talents, featuring international participation, passed with exciting drama in the heart of the opera - in its magnificent hall.

The on-site reporter felt the pulse of the event - the atmosphere was permeated with anticipation and excitement, with inspiration and artistic charge. 28 young opera singers, representing 10 countries, faced the challenge of the competition, demonstrating enviable vocal skills and stage presence. The competition itself took place at an exceptionally high professional level, leaving unforgettable impressions on the audience and the jury.

The event was realized thanks to the financial support of Burgas Municipality, which provided half of the competition's prize fund. This partnership is key to the sustainability and development of the competition, establishing it as an important factor in the cultural life of the city.

The organization of the International Opera Competition was impeccable, for which the hosts were responsible. The competition was included in the series of initiatives supporting the candidacy of Burgas for European Capital of Culture in 2032. This ambition demonstrates the city's aspiration to establish itself as a significant cultural center on the European stage.

The conceptual creator and initiator of the competition is the director of the Burgas Opera, Prof. Dr. Alexander Tekeliev. With deep respect for Maestro Popov, he emphasized the importance of the competition as the realization of the baritone's dream - the creation of a space for the training of young opera singers.

The excitement in the hall increased when the famous tenor Kaludi Kaludov took the stage. He announced the names of the singers who will have the opportunity to qualify in his opera school: Viola Di Palma, Taisia Sas, Diana Gemboris, Boris Midlik and Hubert Dzietczyk. Diana Savateva, Deputy Mayor of Burgas Municipality with responsibility for "Culture and Religious Affairs", presented the awards provided by the Municipality.

The moment awaited by everyone arrived - the announcement of the winners. This year, the organizers kept the intrigue until the end, as the award winners were invited to the gala concert without knowing the results of the competition in advance.

Category "Women"

  • First prize: Velichka Minkova (Bulgaria)
  • Second prize: Maria Yurkovskaya (Russia)
  • Third prize (shared): Zhong Qing (China) and Sandra Cordova (Bulgaria)

Category "Men"

  • First prize: Not awarded
  • Second prize: Bektash Ozan (Turkey)
  • Third prize: Andrey Yurkovsky (Russia)

The jury, which determined the winners, was composed of prominent names from the world of opera: chairman - Kaludi Kaludov, the world-famous Bulgarian tenor; Prof. Dr. Tony Shekerdzieva-Novak, lecturer at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts "Prof. Asen Diamandiev" - Plovdiv; Prof. Niko Isakov, opera singer with an international career; Assoc. Dr. Gabriela Georgieva, opera prima from the Sofia Opera and Ballet; and Prof. Dr. Alexander Tekeliev, director of the State Opera - Burgas.