Verdi's Nabucco Premieres at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv – A Major International Production at Opera Open 2026

One of Giuseppe Verdi's most monumental and dramatic operas will come to life at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv on 4 July at 9:00 PM as part of Opera Open 2026. The new production of Nabucco, created by Opera Krakowska, brings together the artists of Opera Krakowska and State Opera Plovdiv in a large-scale international collaboration.

Transforming the Ancient Theatre into a stage of powerful human emotions, political conflict, and timeless themes of power, faith, and the pursuit of freedom, the production offers a fresh theatrical interpretation of one of the most celebrated works in the operatic repertoire. It has been created by an international creative team, combining artistic excellence with contemporary stage vision.

The role of the Babylonian King Nabucco will be performed by internationally acclaimed Bulgarian baritone Kiril Manolov, while Tanya Ivanova appears as Abigaille and Ivaylo Dzhurov as Zaccaria. They are joined by leading Polish artists Tomasz Kuk (Ismaele), Jarosław Bielecki (Abdallo), Zuzanna Klemańska (Fenena), Karin Wiktor-Kałucka (Anna), and Sebastian Marszałowicz (High Priest).

The production is conducted by Grigor Palikarov and directed by Maria Sartova. The creative team also includes set and video designer Damian Styrna, costume designer Anna Hadaj, choreographer Jakub Lewandowski, lighting designer Bogumił Palewicz, video designer Eliasz Styrna, and chorus master Andrzej Korzeniowski.

With its monumental choral scenes, gripping drama, and Verdi's unforgettable music, Nabucco remains one of the most powerful works in the operatic canon. Audiences at the Ancient Theatre will experience a production that unites the traditions of European opera with the unique atmosphere of one of the world's oldest and most remarkable open-air performance venues.

As a special musical bonus, every ticket holder for Nabucco will receive an invitation to Opera Krakowska's guest performance of Bona Sforza, taking place on 5 July at the Boris Hristov House of Culture in Plovdiv. Invitations can be collected from the State Opera Plovdiv Box Office or the Opera Open Summer Box Office upon presentation of a Nabucco ticket.

The Bona Sforza project is co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland through the Culture Promotion Fund.

Tickets for Nabucco are available at the State Opera Plovdiv Box Office and online. The performance takes place on 4 July 2026 at 9:00 PM at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv.

Opera Open is part of the festival programme of Plovdiv – European Capital of Culture.