Reinaldo Droz from Venezuela and Strahinja Djokic from Serbia, alumni of Raina Kabaivanska master classes at New Bulgarian University, shared the first place in the prestigious competition for young opera singers „Ghena Dimitrova“. An eminent jury chaired by Maestro Nayden Todorov (members: Darina Takova, Kaludi Kaludov, Niko Isakov and Adrian Hollaender) awarded the prizes, including prize money and participation in a concert on the stage of Sofia Philharmonic.
Reinaldo Droz graduated from the Caracas Academy of Music. Since 2017 he has been studying with Raina Kabaivanska in her master classes at New Bulgarian University and the Vechi-Tonelli Music Institute in Modena. He has performed on the stages of Verona Philharmonic Theater, Luciano Pavarotti Opera Theater in Modena, Bulgaria Hall in Sofia etc. On the invitation of Acad. Plamen Kartalov, in March he made his debut at Sofia Opera and Ballet in the role of Ernesto in “Don Pasquale” by Donizetti.
Strahinja Djokic graduated from the Belgrade Conservatory. Since 2016 he has been studying with Raina Kabaivanska in her master classes at New Bulgarian University, the Vechi-Tonelli Music Institute in Modena and the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Sienaл He has performed at the opera theaters in Modena, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Sofia, during the Festival della Valle d'Itriaa etc.
Both young singers are scholarship holders of Raina Kabaivanska Fund at NBU and of the trade chain FANTASTICO. The forthcoming 21st International Master Class of Raina Kabaivanska, organized by New Bulgarian University, will take place in the period September 6-26, 2021 at Sofia Opera and Ballet House. Detailed information and the application form are available at: https://goo.gl/vCE74f