On 13.10.2024 Alexandrina Mihaylova debuted on the Sofia Opera stage as Michaela in “Carmen” by Bizet. The new role she performed for the Sofia audience is that of Violeta in “La Traviata” by Verdi.
The young singer won a prestigious award just a few days prior and added another success under her belt. The authoritative jury of the 16th International opera contest for young opera singers “Magda Olivero” which took place in Milano between the 20th and the 24th of November, 2024 unanimously awarded two of the main prizes to the young Bulgarian singer Alexandrina Mihaylova. She won an award for her role as Violeta in the opera “La Traviata” by Verdi which will be performed in front of the Milano audience on 27.03.2025. She also won first prize in the “Up and coming voices” category. Soprano Alexandrina Mihaylova’s peremptory performance strongly impressed not only the jury but also the viewers who awarded her the special audience’s choice prize.
Alexandrina Mihaylova:
“I’m very happy with what I’ve accomplished because Violeta is a very important character for me as well as the opera “La Traviata”. I’m glad to have the opportunity to perform as her on the Sofia Opera stage. The responsibility is enormous. This is one of the hardest roles for a soprano, not only musically but also psychologically. What’s even harder is building the character and understanding it emotionally so the audience can feel what Violeta’s going though. Together with Maestra Kabaivanska, we created the entire role in depth. She was very pleased and this gave me the confidence I will be able to do it. The Maestra has always chosen performers very carefully but was quite happy now because she has always said Violeta is the role for me. After having gathered experience, I showed I possess the necessary technique. After I won first place for my aria performance, she said I was ready and that it was time for me to go on stage. According to me, the second act is the hardest one in an emotional sense. The duet with Alfred’s father is a key moment. From living a happy life with Alfred, Violeta goes through several states: from fighting for her love to complete despair and realizing how cruel the world is. When she decides to sacrifice herself for Alfred’s sister, that moment is perfect because nobody would do the same for her.”
“La Traviata” is directed by Plamen Kartaloff. The performance on the 7th of December also marked the debut of conductor Zhorzh Dimitrov in conducting the piece.
Hear Violeta’s aria from act IV performed by Alexandrina Mihaylova.