On 19 July 2025, the Burgas Opera will present Bizet’s operatic masterpiece “Carmen” amid the natural grandeur of the Tsarevets Fortress, as part of the “Stage of the Ages” festival.
Under the baton of renowned Bulgarian conductor Ivan Kozhuharov, the audience will once again experience the timeless tale of sudden passion, rejection, emotional revival, and the collision of two worlds irresistibly drawn to one another yet ultimately destroyed by overwhelming emotions.

The dramatic plot of one of the world’s most famous operas remains ever relevant. Regardless of the era, people continue to carry the same feelings and desires, and their relationships are grounded in universal human values untouched by time. The opera has become iconic not only because of Bizet’s exquisite music with its elegant melodic line and motifs that have gained their own independent popularity but also because of the story, which still provokes emotion and sparks diverse reactions.

The role of Carmen will be performed by the celebrated mezzo-soprano Daniela Dyakova, known for her powerful, rich timbre and commanding stage presence. Her portrayal will enchant the audience with a voice of depth and an arresting dramatic aura.

The role of Don José torn by inner conflicts, wavering between overwhelming passion for Carmen and the demands of tradition will be sung by the brilliant tenor Valeriy Georgiev, distinguished by the rare “Rossini highs.”

The talented and charismatic baritone Valeri Turmanov appears as the matador Escamillo, who tolerates no rivals neither in the arena nor in love wins Carmen’s affections, and drives Don José into dark jealousy with tragic consequences.

The exceptional lyric-dramatic soprano Yoana Zhelezcheva will embody the gentle and devoted Micaëla, a symbol of purity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for the sake of the beloved man who has forsaken her.

The production is directed by Darina Glavanakova-Bakardzhieva, with Alexander Chepanov as choir master, choreography by Galina Kalcheva, assistant directors Lina Peeva and Petar Tiholov, and ballet répétiteur Marina Zmeeva-Markova.
This large-scale and visually striking performance features the orchestra, chorus, and ballet of the State Opera Burgas.

Conductor: Ivan Kozhuharov
Director: Darina Glavanakova-Bakardzhieva
Choir Master: Alexander Chepanov
Choreography: Galina Kalcheva

Soloists (by original cast order):
Carmen – Daniela Dyakova
Don José – Valeriy Georgiev
Escamillo – Valeri Turmanov
Micaëla – Yoana Zhelezcheva
Zuniga – Diman Panchev
Dancaïre – Andrey Yurkovsky
Remendado – Yani Nikolov
Frasquita – Maria Slavova (guest)
Mercédès – Maria Yurkovska
Morales – Yordan Hristozov

Orchestra, chorus, and ballet of the State Opera Burgas