site.bta120th Birth Anniversary of Opera Singer Ilka Popova

August 1 marks the 120th birth anniversary of renowned Bulgarian opera singer Ilka Popova. She was born in 1905 in Sofia, into a family of a journalist and a teacher.

Ilka Popova began studying ballet at an early age, but later abandoned it in favor of theater. However, after attending her first opera performance, she found her true calling. 

In 1922, she was accepted into the class of Professor Christo Brambarov at the Bulgarian State Conservatory (nowadays National Academy of Music).

After graduating, she continued her training in Italy, studying under Maestra Villani and Professor Tanara at La Scala in Milan. 

In 1929, Ilka Popova returned to Bulgaria and made her debut at the Sofia Opera House in the role of Amneris in Aida by Giuseppe Verdi. Her outstanding performance quickly earned her national recognition. Following her success in Bulgaria, she moved to Paris, France, where she studied vocal technique with the renowned Russian teacher Felija Litvin and acting at the Wag Theater School.

At the end of 1932, Popova was invited to join the artistic ensemble of the Paris Grand Opera, becoming the second Bulgarian opera singer after Ana Todorova to become a regular member of the world-famous institution.

Until 1934, Popova performed on major Parisian stages such as Porte Saint-Martin and Theatre du Chatelet, and also appeared in opera houses across Nice, Marseille, Fontainebleau, Lyon, Nîmes, Verviers, and Toulouse.

Her international guest appearances included performances in Morocco, Egypt, Switzerland, Monte Carlo, Italy, Spain, Austria, Romania, Argentina, and Brazil.

In 1937, Ilka Popova had an extended engagement at La Scala in Milan, where she appeared in leading roles in Un Ballo in Maschera, Tristan und Isolde, and La Gioconda.

Popova's powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and dedication to her craft solidified her legacy as one of the most remarkable Bulgarian opera singers of the 20th century.

Ilka Popova passed away on May 30, 1979, in Sofia.