Opera Open 2026 brings leading international artists to Plovdiv’s Ancient Theatre

Opera stars Sonya Yoncheva and Nadine Sierra are among the most anticipated highlights of the program.

Opera Open at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv has firmly established itself as a cultural brand of national and international significance, ranking among Europe’s most recognizable open-air opera festivals. The 2026 edition will take place from June 23 to September 9, offering an impressive program featuring an international constellation of artists, two opera premieres, and iconic festival titles.

Among the most exciting highlights is the audience’s encounter with two of the brightest names on the global opera stage – Sonya Yoncheva and Nadine Sierra. The Plovdiv-born soprano returns to her roots with the new initiative “Thracian Awards for Classical Music,” where she serves as Artistic Director and, through her production company SY11 Events, leads the nomination and selection process. As part of the festival, Nadine Sierra will shine as Violetta Valéry in La Traviata, marking her first appearance in Bulgaria.

The festival will open with a Gala Concert of the laureates of the “Thracian Awards for Classical Music.” The stage of the Ancient Theatre will welcome outstanding international artists, including mezzo-soprano Ekaterine Buachidze, winner of the Operalia 2025 competition; star countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński; virtuoso pianist Emanuil Ivanov; internationally acclaimed Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores; prima ballerina Marta Petkova; composer Dobrinka Tabakova; leading soprano of the Sofia Opera and Ballet Gabriela Georgieva; and the legendary Bulgarian opera star Anna Tomowa-Sintow, who will be honored on the eve of her 85th anniversary. The concert features the Orchestra and Choir of Opera Plovdiv under the baton of Maestro Dian Chobanov, with the special participation of Sonya Yoncheva.

A major highlight of the program is Nadine Sierra’s guest appearance in La Traviata. Following the opening of the 2025/2026 season at the Metropolitan Opera, the soprano will perform Violetta on prestigious stages in Rome, Vienna, and at the Chorégies d’Orange, before meeting the audience at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv. In the autumn, she will open the season at La Scala once again with La Traviata.

Opera Open 2026 will also present two premieres. Nabucco will be staged in collaboration with the Opera Krakowska, featuring a mixed cast of soloists, choir, and orchestra from the Polish company and Opera Plovdiv. Semiramide – a production of the Tiroler Festspiele Erl – will have its first performance in Bulgaria with the Opera Plovdiv company. The production is directed by Gustav Kuhn, with mezzo-soprano Maria Radoeva and Argentinian tenor Francisco Brito in the leading roles.

Following its successful premiere on Bunardzhik Hill, Carmina Burana, staged by Boryana Sechanova, will be presented at the Ancient Theatre with soloists, choir, ballet, and orchestra of Opera Plovdiv.

Due to outstanding audience interest, the multimedia spectacle Vasko Vassilev: The Journey returns to the program after its international tour, which began in Japan. The virtuoso violinist Vasko Vassilev will perform alongside his musicians and the Orchestra of Opera Plovdiv.

Among the beloved titles returning under the stars are Aida, featuring Evgenia Ralcheva, Ivan Momirov, and Kiril Manolov, as well as Carmen, starring internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Svetlina Stoyanova, who will make her debut in the title role. The ballet program includes the classical masterpiece Swan Lake.

The festival’s musical theatre lineup also features strong titles, including The Addams Family, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, and the concert A Night at the Opera – The Music of Queen, with leading performers from the Bulgarian pop and rock scene.

Tickets for Opera Open are available at the Opera Plovdiv box office, at the summer ticket office on the Main Street (from May), and online. As per tradition, the announcement of the program launches a special online promotion with a 30% discount for loyal festival audiences using the code SPRING on Eventim, valid until the end of the Easter holidays.

Ticket prices start from €18, with a limited number of discounted tickets available for students and пенсионers.

Opera Open is part of the festival program of Plovdiv.