On May 6, 2021, the Sofia Opera will celebrate the 80^th birthday of soprano Ghena Dimitrova and 70^th birthday of tenor Rumen Doykov with a filmed version of their 1999 production of Ponchielli’s “La Gioconda.”

Directed by Plamen Kartaloff and conducted by Georgi Notev, the cast featured Dimitrova, Doykov, Nicola Ghiuselev, Stefka Mineva, Zhivko Pranchev, and Elena Chavdarova.

Dimitrova first debuted with the Sofia Opera in 1967, as Abigail in Verdi’s “Nabucco.” She went on to an international career and garnered great acclaim for her power, range, and interpretation. Beloved in her native Bulgaria, Dimitrova retired in 2001, and passed away in 2005.

Doykov has served as a leading tenor for many years with the Sofia Opera. Over his long career, he has done over 1000 performances with the company and as an international soloist across Europe, the United States, and South America.

The performance will be available to watch via the Eventim streaming platform for 24 hours after purchase of ticket.