"Der fliegende Holländer" by Richard Wagner will be shown on 1 October at 17 h on BNT 1

On 1 October – World Music Day – the Sofia Opera and Ballet invites all its friends and fans to share the TV broadcast of Richard Wagner's opera "Der fliegende Holländer". The recording was made during the premiere performances in July on the summer stage of Lake Pancharevo. "Der fliegende Holländer" opened the Third Festival "Muses of Water", which again this year attracted the attention of more than 10 000 spectators.

"Der fliegende Holländer" – the most frequently staged opera by Richard Wagner – is the latest masterpiece of the director Plamen Kartaloff. The production is so beautiful that no spectator remains indifferent. Wagner's romantic music finds its exact place on Lake Pancharevo, and the sets beautifully illustrate the legend of the ever-searching sailor. This is the seventh Wagner opera to meet the director's stunning fantasy and it becomes another masterful reading of a work by the German composer.

The new production of the Sofia Opera is highly appreciated in the international press. The renowned critic Klaus Billand, who works for the most reputable specialized media, says that "For the scenography, Plamen Kartaloff let himself be inspired, enthralled by the abstract nature of the artworks and the associated theatrical dimensions of the famous British artist Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975). An idea that was foreshadowed for the set design of "The Dutchman", especially when Hepworth, like Wagner, was always inspired by nature and let the world around her move her". And further, "Telling the story in a very subtle and often sublime way, while always remaining true to Wagner's work – that's law for Kartaloff."

The great star of the world opera and an exceptional friend of the Sofia Opera, bass Kurt Rydl, prepared the Bulgarian singers stylistically and vocally for another journey into the world of Wagner. He is also in the role of the sailor Daland. The long-standing soloist of the Semperoper in Dresden Markus Marquardt is astonishing as the Dutchman, the brilliant Radostina Nikolaeva is Senta, and Kostadin Andreev gives an emotional performance as the hunter Erik. Daniel Ostretsov and Aleksandrina Stoyanova play the roles of the Steersman and Mary respectively. Rossen Gergov conducts the orchestra and chorus of the Sofia Opera.

"The soloists are magical, they sing and play impressively! The orchestra reproduced the beauty of Wagner's music fantastically with amazing timbral range and climaxes. The finale is fantastic! This production is a unique aesthetic experience! The performance is an event!" – these are a few of the audience's responses, which follow every new production by Plamen Kartaloff with undisguised interest.

The filming of "Der fliegende Holländer" was an enormous challenge for the TV crew as well. The best solution for the placement of the cameras was sought and found so as not to interfere with the action and the audience. The BNT team was also privileged to receive the invaluable help of Acad. Kartaloff for the production to be shot most credibly and in synchronicity with the director's concept.

"Der fliegende Holländer" will be broadcast on Saturday, 1 October, at 17 h on BNT 1.

Let's share this magical spectacle together and enjoy Richard Wagner’s wonderful music!