On the 20th of October, Gergana Rusekova will perform for the first time as Ortrud at the Sofia Opera. Her performances as heroines in Wagner’s works have so far always captivated the audience’s interest. She played a spectacular Brunhilde in “Die Walküre” as well as Kundri in “Parsifal”.
Here’s what a couple of music critics working for various prestigious music magazines and who visited the Wagner festivals at the Sofia Opera wrote:
“Die Walküre”
Allen Nelson – “OperaWire”: “Mezzosoprano Gergana Rusekova took over the stage as Brunhilde at the start of act II with her bright and clear voice as she did her signature call “Hojotojo”. She set the bar very high and her singing was on point throughout the entire performance; it was enhanced by her soothing timbre, her singing was melodic, energetic and confident. This allowed her to convincingly portray her role of a Valkyrie.
Gregor Tassie – “Seen and Heard International”: “Brunhilde’s stunning arrival on her big red steed Grane was a sign of the greatness that followed. We immediately noticed Gergana Rusekova’s outstanding vocal capabilities and character.”
Andrea Merli – “teatridelest.com”: “… Soprano Gergana Rusekova earned all the praise for her performance as Brunhilde and especially for her final duet: her singing was well balanced and sounded confident, especially her flawlessly performed high “do” while entering the stage.
“Parsifal”
Gregor Tassie – “Seen and Heard International”: “Gergana Rusekova’s Kundri was a world class performance, both singing and portraying the character. Each and every word was sung clearly and beautifully, in some scenes unveiling her sad fate and in others: 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.