On the 20th of October, Gergana Rusekova will debut as Ortrud in Plamen Kartaloff’s grandiose production of the opera “Lohengrin”: the eighth of Wagner’s works in the Sofia Opera repertoire.
So far, all of Rusekova’s Wagner roles have attracted the interest of both fans and critics. She performed wonderfully as Brunhilde in “Die Walküre” as well as Kundri in “Parsifal”. Here’s what a couple of music specialists working for various prestigious music magazines who visited the Sofia Opera Wagner festivals said:
“Die Walküre”
Allen Nielson: “Mezzosoprano Gergana Rusekova as Brunhilde took the stage at the beginning of Act II with her bright and clear voice when she performed the famous “Hojotojo” call. She set the bar really high and didn’t once sway during her performance. Enhanced by her pleasant timbre, her singing was rich, energetic and confident allowing her to convincingly portray the Valkyrie.
Andrea Merley: “Gergana Rusekova’s soprana deserves nothing but praise. Her voice is confident, rich and clear, especially during her cold-bloodedly sung high “Do” as she entered the stage.
“Parsifal”
Gregor Tassi: “Gergana Rusekova’s Kundri was a masterclass both as far as singing and portraying the character are concerned: she sung each and every word beautifully and clearly, at times revealing her own harsh fate and in other scenes her lustful desire.”
Claus Billand – “Der Neuer Merker”: “Gergana Rusekova impressed with her dark and unique mezzosoprano as a suffering but also confident Kundri…”
“Ursula Schinkaruck – “Der Neuer Merker”: “Gergana Rusekova gave a very powerful performance as Kundri… with her amazing and dramatic soprano, she is a perfect fit in this ensemble, both as a singer and with her noble and majestic look.”
This year, on February 2nd, Gergana Rusekova portrayed another remarkable role: Princess Eboli in “Don Carlos” by Giuseppe Verdi”.
The Sofia Opera audience applauded her performances as the countess in “The Queen of Spades” by Tchaikovsky, Amneris in “Aida” by Verdi, Adalgisa in “Norma” by Bellini, Santuzza in “Cavalleria Rusticana” by Mascagni, Clytemnestra in “Elektra” by Richard Strauss as well as Carmen in the opera of the same name by Bizet.
We wish Gergana Rusekova success with her new role.
