site.btaPresident Radev Meets with Opera Director and Singer Orlin Anastassov

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev met on Tuesday with renowned opera director and bass Orlin Anastassov, the president’s press secretariat said.

President Radev congratulated Anastassov on his international achievements and artistic acclaim, acknowledging his significant contributions to Bulgarian opera.

Their conversation focused on the traditions and accomplishments of Bulgarian opera and the opportunities for promoting the art form abroad. The President emphasized the importance of cultural institutions in preserving national heritage and fostering international cultural exchange.

“Opera is home for me—I grew up in it, both literally and figuratively,” said Anastassov in a recent interview with BTA in Ruse. “My parents were both leading opera singers, and so is my brother. I was raised in the opera house from infancy.”

Earlier this month, Anastassov directed Guiseppe Verdi’s Ernani at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, marking a milestone: for the first time, a Bulgarian production team staged an opera in this historic Russian venue.

“We are incredibly proud to have had Bulgarian representation not just on stage, but behind the scenes,” Anastassov said. “Over the years, many of our greatest opera singers have performed there. Being part of this legacy from the production side was an unforgettable experience.”