The Bulgarian State Opera performs "Tosca" at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts Feb. 2 | Press Releases

The Bulgarian State Opera arrives at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts for a single performance of Puccini's glorious opera, "Tosca" on Friday, Feb. 2 at 8 pm. Established in 1996 by Ivan Kyurkchiev and originally known as Opera Verdi Europa, the Bulgarian State Opera is based on the great traditions of the art of opera in Bulgaria. The company presents unique productions combining the best of the opera worlds of Bulgaria and all of Europe. Through the years it has presented productions in which several world-renowned singers have debuted - including Orlin Anastassov and Dario Volonte - prior to the productions' European tours.

"Tosca," taken from the play by Victorien Sardou, contains some of Puccini's most dramatic arias. For example, Tosca's famous Act II aria, "Vissi d'arte," challenges the soprano to demonstrate the richness, consistency and quality of her range.

The nominal character is, herself, an opera singer, jealous, impetuous and in love. Her lover, Mario, is a painter whose misfortune it is to have used another woman, his friend's sister, as a model. And the tyrannical Scarpia, investigator and judge, shows himself to be a deadly thorn Tosca takes revenge upon for the evil he has done to destroy the lovers' future.

In 1995, Mr. Kyurkchiev was invited by the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture to hold the position of General Manager of the State Opera House in Rousse. Under his formidable leadership, the theater gained international prestige on par with the great European opera stages.

His success in this arena inspired him, the following year, to found the Bulgarian State Opera, which is now one of the leading operatic companies of Bulgaria. Under Mr. Kyurkchiev's direction, the company gives more than 70 performances a year around the world.

Tickets are $50, $45, $40 and can now be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com, or by calling the Box Office at (203) 254-4010. The toll free number is 1-877-ARTS-396. For more information, visit the website at www.quickcenter.com.