On the 20th of October, Gergana debuted as Ortrud (“Lohengrin”) on the Sofia Opera stage and performed brilliantly. The premiere of “Lohengrin” was on the 13th of June and Plamen Kartaloff’s production was exultantly praised by the audience, by Wagnerians from all over the world and by music critics working for various magazines.
Gergana Rusekova prepared for this new role in her repertoire with great skill and revealed Ortrud’s dark essence, her cunningness and her cruel ability to manipulate other people. With her wonderful timbre and the necessary coldness to it, Rusekova enchanted the audience during her duet with her husband after which she transformed into a crushed and suffering woman during her meeting with Elsa.
During the days before the premiere of “Lohengrin”, Gergana Rusekova shared the following in an interview with Georgi Markov: “For me, the role of Ortrud is very spiritually deep and difficult because my task is not to portray an evil woman but the dark energy of the entire world, filled with sin and the ambition to achieve everything at all costs. This vocal challenge is very rich, beautiful and artistic.”
The production is directed by Maestro Kartaloff and he is very well versed in telling Wagner’s tales. I very much like the way he builds each and every character. In Wagner’s works, the heavenly and earthly, love and ambition are intertwined: these are opposite energies but in the end, good always triumphs. We have to believe in this as well: to believe in the heavenly essence which exists in each and every one of us. It is a small grain in our soul to protect. We mustn’t let the material predefine our earthly path.”
Many years ago, I saw the first production of “Siegfried” at the Sofia Opera. Wagner’s messages portrayed by the orchestra are all exceptional. Back then, I wished I could perform roles by this composer as well, that I would possess the right voice for it. So many people arrive from all over the world to see our next Wagner production and this is no coincidence or pure tourist interest. All of them are enchanted by the enormous energy in Wagner’s music, just like me.”
Gergana Rusekova’s dream came true when she portrayed two remarkable characters: Kundri (“Parsifal”) and Brunhilde (“Die Walküre”). These same exalted Wagner fans who applaud the Sofia Opera productions in awe also praised Rusekova’s masterful interpretations.
“Gergana Rusekova’s Kundri was a master class both as far as singing and portraying the character are concerned”
“Soprano Gergana Rusekova’s Brunhilde deserves the highest of praise. Her voice is so clear and confident”
At the moment, Gergana Rusekova is preparing for her role as Princess de Bouillon in the upcoming premiere of the opera “Adriana Levouvreur” by Francesco Cilea. Together with soprano Gabriela Georgieva, the two of them are preparing a concert called “Rivals” during which they will perform famous opera duets. On the 1st of February, during the “Winter music evenings” festival in Pazardzhik, Rusekova’s hometown, she will hold a recital consisting of an entirely Bulgarian program.