Opera prima Sonya Yoncheva: Culture is not only our future - it is the key to a better society

The soprano received Musician of the Year award at BNR ceremony

published on 12/3/24 3:46 PM

Photo: Ani Petrova

"You are born an artist or you are not." The truth behind the words of Maria Callas, the opera prima born in New York on 2 December, still resonates today. Exactly 101 years after Callas' birth, a Bulgarian, a true star of world opera, returned home to be awarded yet another accolade - Musician of the Year 2023. The soprano was chosen in a national poll by the classical music programme "Allegro Vivace" on Bulgarian National Radio's "Horizont" channel.

"The studios of Bulgarian National Radio have always meant a lot to me," said Sonya Yoncheva as she received the statuette, created by sculptor Hristo Iliev, from Bulgarian National Radio Director General Milen Mitev. - When I was a child I listened to the radio a lot and BNR has always been a part of my life. From your programmes I learned about the great artists and was inspired," Sonya Yoncheva told those present at the warm ceremony at the radio.

Sonya Yoncheva - the Bulgarian opera voice from the world stages

When she was named 'Musician of the Year 2023' in the 33rd edition of the awards, the announcement was made at an official ceremony on 31 May this year in Studio 1 of Bulgarian National Radio. The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. Unfortunately, the opera prima was unable to come to Sofia in person for the ceremony. In a special video address, she thanked the audience for the honour and the vote of confidence. Now, a few months later, she holds the beautiful statuette in her hands.

Sonya Yoncheva with BNR Director General Milen Mitev

"This award sums it all up for me - to be Musician of the Year in my native land, Bulgaria. Where my heart has always been! For me, an award like this is a call to keep moving forward - not only for the benefit of my career, but also to support future generations," said the star soprano. Sonia Yoncheva believes that culture is not only our future, but the key to a better society:

"It is more than important for me that the award comes from my country. I work as an ambassador for Bulgarian culture all over the world, so when I receive confirmation of my work from important institutions in Bulgaria, as is the case with Bulgarian National Radio, it really means a lot to me".

Sonya Yoncheva is bringing world opera stars to Sofia

And the 2023 'Musician of the Year' came to collect her award with 'Daughter of the Year', as she referred to her little girl, Sophia. Perhaps to the surprise of some, Sonya Yoncheva spoke Bulgarian to her daughter.

"Oh yes, my children speak Bulgarian fluently. My son Mateo is now learning to read and write in Bulgarian. I always make sure that they stay connected to Bulgarian culture, that they are Bulgarian at heart, that they come home to Bulgaria, that they feel good here. They feel understood".

Yoncheva took a moment to thank her husband, conductor Domingo Hindoyan, and her mother for their unwavering support throughout her musical journey. That journey continues even tonight when the opera prima will be joined by Scottish pianist Malcolm Martino at Bulgaria Hall for a recital entitled 'To a Star'. The programme includes works by Verdi and Puccini, two of her favourite composers. In Sonia Yoncheva's own words, this concert is a bridge from youth to older age.

The soprano also revealed that the summer of 2025 will be truly magical for music lovers in this country. Sonya Yoncheva told Radio Bulgaria:

"I am very happy because next year here in Sofia we will have three gala evenings (27-29 August) on the square in front of St Alexander Nevski Cathedral. For me, this place is the heart of Sofia, the capital. To have 3 days where we can fully indulge in classical music with an audience of more than 8000 people every night is really important for me. We have invited exceptional musicians. Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, the Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo have all accepted our invitation. We are going to have a big Viennese ball under the stars in Sofia".

This is what Sonya Yoncheva told the audience of Radio Bulgaria in connection with the Christmas and New Year holidays:

"I wish the Bulgarian family, and especially Bulgarian parents, to connect their children even more with culture. For me, this is the key to a good society".

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Photos: Ani Petrova, Rositsa Petkova

Published in English by E. Radkova

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