Stefka Evstatieva: Grief for the Opera Singer, a Loss for Culture

"Stefka Evstatieva was not only a great artist, but also a noble person — dedicated to her students, colleagues and the public", President Rumen Radev wrote in a condolence letter to the family and relatives of the opera singer on the occasion of her death, the press secretariat of the head of state announced. The news of her death grieved the musical community. Deep sorrow was felt everywhere people gathered who were connected with art.

The head of state notes that Bulgarian culture has lost one of its brightest personalities. This is a great loss for all who value music and talent. In his condolence letter, the president emphasizes that the noble and penetrating voice of Stefka Evstatieva leaves an indelible mark on Bulgarian and world opera art.

"From the stages of the Ruse and Sofia Opera to the most prestigious opera podiums in the world — the Vienna State Opera, "La Scala", "Covent Garden" and "Metropolitan", Stefka Evstatieva glorified the name of Bulgaria with her exceptional professionalism," President Radev points out. In his words, deep respect for the singer's achievements could be felt.

According to the head of state, the transformations of the distinguished singer in the operas of Giuseppe Verdi, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Alexander Borodin will remain in the memory of generations of viewers and will continue to inspire young singers, to whom she generously passed on her experience and love for music. Many remember her performances, which have left a lasting imprint on the history of opera art.

It was announced that Stefka Evstatieva died on November 9 after a short illness. The information was confirmed by Stanislav Pochekanski, chairman of the Union of Bulgarian Musicians and Dancers, as was announced on Sunday to BTA. The sadness among the musicians was palpable. The news of her death was also confirmed by her husband in a conversation with the Bulgarian folk singer Tatyana Sırbinska.

Condolences for the death of Evstatieva were also expressed by the Consulate General of Bulgaria in New York. For decades, Stefka Evstatieva was an integral part of our community in New York and was at the heart of many emblematic initiatives for her. The consulate noted that she was associated with initiatives such as the creation of "Bulgarian Concert Evenings in New York" and the Bulgarian choir and school "Gergana", as was written on Facebook on November 10. It was seen how much Evstatieva meant to the Bulgarian community across the ocean.

"For her contribution to the cultural development and awareness of our community, she has received many accolades, including the Order of "Ss. Cyril and Methodius" from President Rumen Radev and a certificate from the Community of Foreign Consuls in New York," the Bulgarian diplomatic mission informed.

A few months ago, Stefka Evstatieva donated to the library of the Consulate General in New York her personal phonoteque with hundreds of discs, which contains entire operas, chamber music and recitals. This was another proof of her dedication to art and her desire to share it with others.