The Celebrations in the Valley of the Thracian Kings are among the most significant events in the Municipality of Kazanlak. Every year, they blend traditional and contemporary forms of various arts – music, theatre, visual arts, photography and new technologies – to promote the cultural heritage of the ancient Thracians. From August 29 to September 5, State Opera Stara Zagora will present its impressive productions on the open-air stage by the Koprinka Dam Lake. The events are united under a symbolic title in the spirit of the Thracian celebrations – "On the Ancient Seuthopolis’ Coast".

On August 29, State Opera Stara Zagora will present its latest production – "Tsar Kaloyan" by Pancho Vladigerov, based on the novel The Thessaloniki Miracle Worker by Fani Popova-Mutafova. The role of Tsar Kaloyan will be performed by world-renowned baritone Kiril Manolov. Talented Emilia Dzhurova will play Queen Maria. The young and successful tenor Boris Taskovwill take on the role of Baldwin. Milko Mihaylov will play Boril. Prominent basso Ivaylo Dzhurov will take on the role of the Bulgarian archbishop.

The opera-theatrical fairy tale ''Beautiful Green Bird'', which won the ASKEER 2024 award for Best Performance will be performed on August 31. The project features artists from the Geo Milev Drama Theatre, as well as soloists, ballet, chamber orchestra and choir of State Opera Stara Zagora.

One of the standout productions of State Opera Stara Zagora – the musical Romeo and Juliet by French composer Gérard Presgurvic – will be presented on September 2. The musical has sparked tremendous interest among the residents of Kazanlak and the town's visitors. Juliet will be played by pop star Mihaela Fileva, while Romeo will be performed by Alexander Panayotov, soloist of the Stefan Makedonski National Music Theatre.

This year's edition of the opera festival, part of the 20th "Celebrations in the Valley of the Thracian Kings – Kazanlak 2025", will conclude on September 5 with Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi, conducted by Mattia Rondelli (Italy). Yoana Zhelezcheva, known for having one of the most beautiful voices in Bulgaria, will perform the role of Abigaille. Nabucco will be performed by baritone Ivan Kabamitov, Zaccaria – by Evgeni Arabadzhiev and Fenena – by Tereza Brakalova. Guest Spanish tenor José Concepción will take on the role of Ismaele.

State Opera Stara Zagora first joined the Celebrations in the Valley of the Thracian Kings in 2021, at the invitation of Kazanlak Mayor Galina Stoyanova. Opera director Ognyan Draganov chose the picturesque setting of the Koprinka Reservoir’s shore, fulfilling his long-held dream of staging opera and ballet on water.

Edited by Tsvetana Toncheva

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov