World Opera Day is an occasion to share the joy of song with all people.

This year, when everyone's lives have been affected by the global pandemic, and the world’s social injustices have gained visibility and touched wider communities, the healing power of music and art is needed more than ever.

Human beings are resilient and will ultimately survive the hardships following confinement. They need to be motivated by a higher purpose; one which involves standing firm for a free society with equal chances. Well-being is a condition of both body and spirit.

We aspire to a culture which is both local and global. It must belong to and be inclusive of all those within its community. At the same time, it must embrace a diverse but connected world. Opera is an international language, and its stories teflect the values of freedom and tolerance.

That is why we have chosen Beethoven, in the 250th anniversary of his birth, as our emblem for 2020. A giant of musical creativity, he also embodies the humanitarian message of universal brotherhood, which inspires our programme for 25 October.

Our online platform OperaVision will offer vocal performances from six continents alongside messages from ambassadors worldwide.

World Opera Day 2020 will be a vital staging-post on opera’s road to recovery.

Nicholas Payne
Director of Opera Europa

Sunday, October 25, is World Opera Day.

On this day, the Sofia Opera, too, will celebrate the importance of opera. Opera, as a sector particularly hard hit by restrictive measures, mobilizes its creative potential with messages to its audience. The Sofia Opera, which is a member of Opera Europa, with its dedicated creative staff and captivating performances maintains the interest of its loyal audience.

On the eve of the celebration, the Sofia Opera and Ballet presents:

Main stage

October 22, 19:00
CARMINA BURANA
Ballet on music by Carl Orff

October 23, 19:00
NORMA
Opera by Vincenzo Bellini

October 24, 19:00
GISELLE
Ballet by Adolphe Adam

October 25, 19:00
CARMEN
Opera by Georges Bizet

The performance is dedicated to the World Opera Day

For our youngest audience – Small stage

October 24, 16:00
DAS RHEINGOLD – adaptation for children
Richard Wagner

October 25, 16:00
WINNIE-THE-POOH
Andrey Drenikov

October 31, 16:00
SLEEPING BEAUTY – ballet for children
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

CONCERTS FOR BABIES
October 24, 25 and 31, 11:00