The performances, full of emotion, inspiration, and exceptional vocal power, fascinated the audience, who experienced the operatic magic created by the stars from the School of Raina Kabaivanska at New Bulgarian University. Under the direction of Julia Krusteva and the scenography of Alberto Troisi, the two performances brought
together four outstanding students of the legendary prima, who transformed Cilea’s characters into vivid, living images.
Vittoria Yeo (soprano, South Korea) won the hearts of the audience with her transfiguration into Adriana Lecouvreur. Her captivating voice and stage performance added elegance and passion to a role that has been emblematic for Raina Kabaivanska’s artistic career, performed with triumphant success on the world’s most prestigious stages for three decades. Kabaivanska’s interpretation of Cilea’s heroine has often been compared to the inspiration for this character – the legendary Sarah Bernhardt – and remains one of the culminating points of the opera art.
Veronica Simeoni performed the role of Princess de Bouillon with depth and drama. Her distinctive mezzo-soprano, known from the stages of Metropolitan Opera and Covent Garden, filled the theater with emotional power. In the role of Maurizio Giuseppe Infantino (tenor, Italy), with his warm and rich voice, proved why he is considered one of the most promising young opera artists. Hae Kang (South Korea) absorbed the audience attention as Michonnet with his expressive singing and impressive stage presence.
The event became a true celebration of the opera art and a demonstration of how the tradition and inspiration transferred by Raina Kabaivanska to her students during her Master Classes at NBU give rise to new stars.
The unique series of events in 2024 called "The Year of Raina Kabaivanska," in honor of the 90th anniversary of the legendary diva fascinated audiences in Paris, London, Modena, Sofia and Plovdiv. This initiative was based on the idea of George Tekev, Ph.D., Executive Director and member of the Board of Trustees of New Bulgarian University, founder and manager of the Master Class of Raina Kabaivanska at NBU.
"Over the years, I have witnessed hundreds of times how Raina Kabaivanska inspires people with her art, morals and generosity. She is a person known not only as a great artist but also as a devoted teacher and Maecenas - due to her immense talent and to her incredible generosity. Her approach to teaching, as she says, is “a duty to continue the tradition of a great art”. It is essential for her to develop the individuality of each student," shares George Tekev.
The initiative joined: Sofia Opera and Ballet, Sofia Philharmonic, Sofia Municipality, Bulgarian Cultural Centers in Paris and London, Opera Open Festival of the State Opera – Plovdiv, the Embassy of Italy in Bulgaria, Fantastico Group, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Paris Opera, Britten Theatre in London and Teatro Pavarotti-Freni in Modena.