Music and Dance Events

Opera by Giuseppe Verdi
Main Hall
It is performed in Italian, with Bulgarian and English subtitles

A contemporary dance fairy tale for children and adults, 18 January 2026 – 17:00
On the stage of the National Music Theatre
The contemporary dance fairy tale “The Snow Queen,” based on the masterpiece of the great Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, tells the story of the breathtakingly beautiful yet incapable of true love Ice Queen (Petya Koleva-Vuchov) and her two loyal guards (Svetlozar Tinev and Stefan Vuchov). It is a tale of the purity and devotion of Kay (Filip Milanov) and Gerda (Tanya Katsarova), a parable that moves us and provokes reflection.
Can a little girl muster the strength to save a little boy wounded by a shard of ice and touched by a freezing kiss?
Can a love still unconscious but profoundly deep overcome forces far more powerful and ancient?
Can memory and the inner longing for light and warmth triumph over eternal winter?
These timeless questions are explored in the dance interpretation of choreographer Angelina Gavrilova, dramaturg Mariy Rosen, set designer Ivan Tokadjiev, and costume designer Adriana Naydenova.
The production captivates audiences with its imaginative visual concepts, striking fairy-tale costumes, and compelling music.
The score includes music by some of the most celebrated composers of the classical repertoire, as well as early 20th-century masters such as Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Bruckner, Mussorgsky, Grieg, and others—reminding audiences of the richness of these musical masterpieces.
The participation of the entire Ballet Arabesque ensemble, along with the variety of characters, showcases the company’s remarkable talent—not only as dancers but also through their strong and expressive acting presence.

Conductor
Johannes Kalitzke
Solоist/s
Donka Angacheva
Ensemble
Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Piano Concerto No.23 in A major, KV 488
Arnold Schönberg – Symphonic Poem “Pelleas und Melisande”, Op.5

Ballet by Adolphe Adam
Main Hall

GALA EVENING OF THE FINALISTS AND LAUREATES OF THE 12th EDITION OF THE COMPETITION FOR CONTEMPORARY CHOREOGRAPHY ON BULGARIAN MUSIC FOR THE AWARD NAMED AFTER MARGARITA ARNAUDOVA
24 January 2026, on the stage of the Music Theatre, 7:00 PM
The Margarita Arnaudova Competition is the first Bulgarian competition for contemporary choreography and, with its 12th edition, marks its 30th anniversary.
The Margarita Arnaudova Memorial Award is presented to a young choreographer by the audience. It is a sign of respect toward the spectator for their engagement with and response to the impact of the performance. This reflects the ideal goal of the founder of the award, Academician Kalina Bogoeva. A prize by the professional jury is also awarded.
The specificity of this competition is defined by the exceptional place and importance of contemporary Bulgarian music within it.
In 2007, the competition became international, alternating between international and national editions.
Since its establishment, the Margarita Arnaudova Competition has affirmed an entire generation of young choreographers who today represent the face of contemporary Bulgarian choreography.
The evening’s program includes:
HERE AND AFTER – Professional Jury Award
Music – Milen Apostolov
Choreography – Amedeo Giunta
Set design and costumes – Elitsa Georgieva
ENDLESS RACE
Music – David Kokontchev
Choreography – Emilia Toncheva
Set design and costumes – Luiza Zhamel Kitar
“aTOUCHed” – Audience Award
Music – Todor Vasilev
Choreography – Stefan Vuchov
Set design and costumes – Elitsa Georgieva

Ballet by Ludwig Minkus
Duration 2:30 Intermission 1
Main Hall

Ballet by Ludwig Minkus
Duration 2:30 Intermission 1
Main Hall

Opera by Giacomo Puccini
Duration 2:40 Intermission 2
Main Hall

Conductor
Vladimir Kiradjiev
Solоist/s
Milla О. Mihova
Petya-Dora Petrova
Ivaylo Mihaylov
Plamen Beykov
Ensemble
Children’s Philharmonic Choir
Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
National Philharmonic Choir
Program
Arthur Honegger – Oratorio “Jeanne d’Arc au bûcher”, H.99

Musical
Duration - 3:00 with one intermission
Main Hall