Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

The Sofia Opera House performs in Ankara on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic

Photo: Sofia Opera house

"Bulgaria greets Turkey: Happy Centenary of the Republic!" - is the motto of the gala tour of the Sofia Opera and Ballet in Ankara and Istanbul. 

The Bulgarian National Opera will present its production of "Tosca" by Giacomo Puccini. The tour is under the patronage of the First Ladies of Bulgaria and Turkey, Desislava Radeva and Emine Erdogan. 

The performance will take place tonight (8 November) at the Ankara State Opera and Ballet. On 11 November, the artists will demonstrate their exquisite mastery at the Atatürk Cultural Centre in Istanbul.

The choice of the opera Tosca is linked to the figure of the visionary, reformer and friend of Bulgaria Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who, during his tenure as military attaché in Sofia (1913-1915), was actively involved in the cultural life of the Bulgarian capital and a regular spectator of the performances of the Bulgarian Opera Society. "Tosca was one of Atatürk's favourite operas, BTA recalls.

"Cultural diplomacy is one of the most powerful booster rockets of our foreign policy," said Bulgarian Ambassador to Turkey Angel Cholakov during a meeting at the BTA Press Club in Ankara dedicated to culture and education as a bridge between Bulgaria and Turkey.

In the archives of the BTA there are records of the memorable days of October and November 1923, when the foundations of the Turkish Republic were laid," said BTA General Director Kiril Valchev. He recalled that the Sofia Opera's tour to Turkey is entirely for charity, with the proceeds going to the areas affected by this year's devastating earthquakes.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Patriotic organisations protest in front of the National Theatre against a play by Bernard Shaw

A protest is being held tonight in front of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre against the premiere of the play Arms and the Man by Bernard Shaw, staged by John Malkovich , which will open at 7 p.m.  "This play should not be staged at the National..

published on 11/7/24 6:17 PM

Bulgarian production company to build a new film center in Sofia-Bozhurishte Industrial Park

A Bulgarian production company will build a new film center worth EUR 15 million in the Sofia-Bozhurishte Industrial Park. The film center will span over 30,000 square meters. The contract for the sale of the land will be signed at the end of..

published on 11/7/24 8:35 AM

Six timeless Bulgarian songs included in EU Songbook

The first EU Songbook has been released, featuring six songs from each of the 27 EU member countries and Ode to Joy, the anthem of the European Union,  reports BTA. The Songbook, a non-profit Danish initiative, has no financial ties to the EU,..

published on 11/6/24 8:50 AM