varna international ballet tour 2023

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Varna International Ballet takes Swan Lake back to its roots

The Varna International Ballet has recently begun a second tour in the UK after its successful debut season in 2023. David Mead recently caught up with artistic director Daniela Dimova to talk about their Swan Lake, which restores the score and dramaturgy to Tchaikovsky’s original.

Even among non-balletgoers, Swan Lake brings forth a very clear picture. It’s music and imagery, especially its mass of swans in white tutus, is iconic. And yet, of all the classic ballets, it has been tweaked and tinkered with more than any other, companies and choreographers adding, deleting and reworking at will.

Most of what know today has its roots not in composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographer Julius Reisinger’s 1877 original, but in Marius Petipa and Riccardo Drigo’s 1895 version that included significant musical and choreographic changes, presented at the Mariinsky Theatre two years after Tchaikovsky’s death.

But even by then, it had changed a lot. Tchaikovsky himself quickly added two supplementary numbers, one described on the manuscript as “Russian Dance for the third act of Lake of the Swans (for Madame Karpakova)” [ Lake of the Swans was the ballet’s original title] and a pas de deux written for ballerina, Anna Sobeshchanskaya. More significant liberties were taken with the score in a production by Joseph Peter Hansen in 1880, including cutting several pieces of music (two years later, he added in new music by Cesare Pugni), while changes to who danced to what music and the number of performers in some dances appear to have been frequent.

Taking up the modern-day interest in attempting to reconstruct original versions of the classics, Varna International Ballet have wound the clock back, as far as possible recreating Tchaikovsky’s premiere. “Of course, any reconstruction is complex. It has taken many years of work by former Bolshoi Theatre soloist Sergei Bobrov,” says Dimova.

Going back into the archives, Bobrov was able to return to the original score, orchestration and libretto, and to the original meanings that were at the heart of the ballet’s musical dramaturgy.

Although the origins of the story are unclear and there is no certainty about the librettist, it’s believed that Tchaikovsky’s main sources were German author Johann Karl August Musaus’ story, The Stolen Veil , with the Black Swan, false bride idea coming from a Russian fairy tale, The White Duck . Dimova concurs, saying that, “The original production was inspired by legends from Germanic folklore about knights, which Tchaikovsky was fascinated with, and became the basis for the composer reflections on the unattainability of the ideal, temptations and sublime love.”

It was very much a ballet with both feet seemingly firmly in Romanticism. As Dimova notes, the swan girls, Odette included, were not captured humans under a wicked spell but bewitched supernatural creatures; fairies, by birth.

It was for Petipa and Drigo’s 1895 reworking that Modest Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich’s brother, turned Odette into a princess abducted by an evil creature and transformed into a swan, dropping all her backstory as he did so. He gave Siegfried a makeover too, taking him from arrogant, macho individual to rather more heroic, sympathetic prince. In the original, Siegfried effectively murders Odette by throwing her crown, the one thing that protects her, into the lake, an act that kills her.

Fortunately, Tchaikovsky’s 1877 score is well documented. “It exists in its entirety and contains many notes; notes from Peter Tchaikovsky himself,” Dimova says.

But it does sound different in places to what we are generally used to today. “In Petipa and Drigo’s version, the adagio for Odette and Siegfried concludes with soft melodic music but in the original 1877 production, it ends with a fast gallop, when the fairy Odette flies away from Prince. We also fully restored the Tchaikovsky’s original ‘Waltz of the Swans’ with its variations.”

It may be confusing to the modern ear but, elsewhere, several items have been restored to their original Act I home, most famously what is generally heard as the coda from the ‘Black Swan pas de deux.’ The pas de deux itself also uses different music, first put back by choreographer Vladimir Burmeister in his 1953 production, later seen at the Paris Opera Ballet, Dimova says.

“Petipa edited the ‘Brides’ Waltz’ in Act III, which we have fully restored to the original. The famous Russian Dance is performed by Black Swan, not by Russian Bride, and, in the same act, the mise-en-scène has been restored, which was not used at all in the 1895 version.”

The differences just keep coming. “As I noted, all swan girls are fairies by birth. So, every white picture was painted by Tchaikovsky in a major key. But in the 1895 version, the girls are enchanted into swans. They have the feelings of girls, not fairies. They want to become girls. So, Drigo has their music in a soft minor key, which sounds very different.”

Reflecting on Tchaikovsky’s ballet, Dimova notes that Tchaikovsky composed Swan Lake during the one of the most memorable periods of his life. His belief in romantic ideals, hopes for his own happiness and artistic intuition, led him to the ideal swan kingdom, a place of sublime moods and love, she believes. “But this romantic, peaceful world always had the makings of a catastrophe. The love of the Prince and Odette reveals an important romantic contradiction. A fairy, like any spiritual being, can make a choice once. Having fallen in love and agreed to earthly life, she remains faithful to her choice to the end. She can neither remain among people nor return to her spiritual world if the earthly one betrays her. She will dissolve in the spiritual world that created her. Earthly man cannot live with one choice. Temptation always haunts him. But he can sin and repent.”

While Tchaikovsky’s original score is available, Reisenger’s choreography was not notated and is long been lost. The only solution was to create anew but based on the original score, its ordering and dramaturgy.

Dimova explains, “In Act I, Tchaikovsky conceived the dances of the village women with the Prince. These were choreographed anew based on the composer’s work as was the dance for the Prince’s mother, the village polonaise and coda. Since the swans’ dances are now in a major key, they too have been rechoreographed, as has the gallop that is the finale of Odette’s adagio with the Prince, which is not in the 1895 version. In Act III, the dances of the Polish, Italian, Spanish and Hungarian brides have been remade since their waltz has been restored to its full version. And in the last act, the dances of the black swans have also been choreographed anew from Tchaikovsky’s score.”

Alongside Swan Lake , Varna International Ballet are performing The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty . It’s a long tour. Twenty-one venues across England in nine weeks. But one that that takes ballet to towns on cities that see it all too rarely, and with a live orchestra. “Yes, it is difficult,” admits Dimova. “But we love Britain very much and it is very important to us that local audiences experience an authentic production of Swan Lake . The artists like new venues and new audiences. It’s always fascinating to receive their appreciation. If they are happy, we will be happy!”

For a full list of Varna International Ballet dates and venues, and ticket booking links visit www.raymondgubbay.co.uk .

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A classic classic: english national ballet’s giselle.

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Varna International Ballet's 'Swan Lake' — a review: A truly stunning performance

Can Swan Lake still capture the hearts of modern audiences as it did the first time it was performed in 1895?

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the Varna International Ballet has been on a grand tour of Europe and performed for the first time in its history in the UK.

World-renowned for their Varna International Ballet competition and their graceful performances not just throughout their native homeland of Bulgaria, but also throughout much of Europe too, it seemed only fitting that to celebrate the milestone of 75 years, the company should perform one of the most well-regarded ballets in history in front of British spectators for the very first time.

On February 10, Varna International Ballet performed Swan Lake at the New Wimbledon Theatre in London. Was it worth the 75 years wait? Did artistic director Daniela Dimova, choreographers Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov and Sergey Bobrov capture the magic of Swan Lake? Read on to find out.

New Wimbledon Theatre

It all starts at the New Wimbledon Theatre in the Broadway of Wimbledon London. First opened in 1910 by famed lover of the theatre J. B. Mulholland, it offers plays, operas and ballet. It became a stable of London entertainment during both World Wars, offering much needed escapism away from the horrors during that time. And after many years, it still offers that same escapism for Londoners and is part of the ostentatious London cultural experience the British capital is so well known for. Hosting Baroque and Adamesque styled features on the interior, it both dazzles with the performances and with its presentation, making it an essential part of London’s live theatre scene. It is therefore a perfect host for Swan Lake.

The Varna International Ballet’s unique take on Swan Lake

Swan Lake is a Russian Ballet first performed in Moscow at the Bolshoi Theatre in 1877. The music was written by famed Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky and the story details the love story between the young prince Siegfried and the young Odette, cursed to transform into the White Swan. Through the seduction of the Black Swan Odile (played by the same soloist) the lovers are doomed. It's a timeless tale of a doomed romance.

For the Varna International Ballet’s interpretation of the classic piece, they shorten the ballet to around two hours and split it into two condensed acts. It’s a far more traditional yet streamlined version of the story which hits all the key features and plays it safe with the story which is appreciated: There have been interpretations which take risks in deviating from the source material, but sometimes miss the mark. For those that have never seen a production of Swan Lake, this is a perfect introduction to the ballet classic, telling the story faithfully and recapturing the original magic that has made the Russian piece a renowned work of art.

Renowned performers

A highlight of any ballet is the performers themselves. Katerina Petrova plays the titular character and her dark doppelganger and is a perfect fit for the role. The role is known as one of the most arduous tasks any ballerina can perform due to its dual nature and the precise movements. And since all eyes are on her, each little step or hand gesture must be perfect. Therefore, Petrova has a lot to live up to, but audiences will be delighted to know that she pulls through while also giving her roles a certain original flair of her own.

When Odette first meets Siegfried, there is a reluctance in her movements, quick retreats that really emphasise the character's isolation and fear of Siegfried. But these gradually lessen and what was really striking to note was during the beginning, there was a stiffness in her motions, especially when performing with Siegfried in close proximity. But as the two remained together longer, the movements loosened, and Petrova’s movements felt more natural. There was even much appreciated subtle Swan gestures implemented perfectly within the routine, such as a gracefully flick of the nose and certain head turns which almost mirrored perfectly that of an actual Swan. It these little movements that really help transform her into Odette and make her fit perfectly into the role.

As for her role of Odile, the Black Swan, that too was well performed and timed. Her command and powerful presence as the Black Swan would capture not only Siegfried but the audiences. She stood her ground firm and with such confidence, dominated the entire stage. But like with her White Swan persona, this too was marked with subtle additions that really emphasised Petrova’s characterisation of both these roles. In contrast to the more shy, stiff and sorrowful Odette, Odile was flashy, very loose and in various ways, very cheeky. There were moments where her subtle hand movements around Siegfried as they danced were almost seductive to watch, yet with a controlled move away, it signified her power over him. Able to touch his body and pull away, leaving Siegfried wanting more which really made the show even more compelling to watch with this power dynamic.

While Siegfried definitely held a higher status in the beginning, that gradually lessoned into a partnership, with both becoming reliant on each other as the moves pushed them more together. But with Odile, there were moments where she would pull away, her confident strides showed this was less out of nerves and more out of seduction. She commanded more authority over Siegfried with her charms and multiple instances of leading Siegfried in the moves.

This all culminated in Petrova’s defining moment as Odette during the end where she lay on the stage, surrounded by the Black Swan Corps de ballet and shrinking herself. The powerful imagery and the way she responds when Siegfried arrives to comfort her, her reluctance to be near him yet finally flinging herself on Siegfried in a desperate plea of love and forgiveness. It was powerful and moving and Petrova was really in her element throughout the whole show. A truly stunning performance.

Prince Siegfried, played by Tsetso Ivanov matched perfectly with Petrova in every scene. He was acrobatic, leaping around the stage and his movements, whilst not as subtle as Petrova’s did speak volumes towards his character. His graceful bows and delicate hand movements (especially in the scenes in the palace) did manage to capture that royal esteem that is worthy of a prince. His innocent eyes spoke volumes when he first meets Odette. He would make slow articulate movements as a means to impress Odette and led her perfectly into his arms as a show of the two falling in love. He managed to capture every feeling and emotion Siegfried was feeling, from love, lust, sorrow and anger with more boastful and sharp movements which offered a nice contrast with Petrova. He captured an innocent and wide eyed prince who wears his heart on his sleeve. Animated when needed for the love and some of the more extravagant palace scenes and dutiful, slow and subtle when his scenes called him to act according to his royal position or his emotions were clouded by despair and regret.

One final stand out from the main cast was Micro Andreutti as Siegfried’s friend Benno. The most animated and ostentatious of all the performers, his bold leaps and bounds across the stage, his flashy and spectacular moves were as much impressive as they were eye catching. At times he almost stole the show away from Ivanov during the latter’s more dutiful scenes. It really displayed a playful character, almost like a Mercutio role from Romeo and Juliet. It was fun, flamboyant and impressive to watch Andreutti perform these magnificent feats on stage. It would therefore be a disservice not to make special mention of him.

But that’s not to say that the other members weren’t as magnificent. One stand out scene involving the numerous potential suitors was a feast for the eyes. Each princess representing a different kingdom such as Spain, Hungary, Poland and Russian, with each wearing clothing traditionally from their native land. The music also matched their respective country such as the Spanish Flamenco which was performed with Spanish fans and in which the dance incorporated aspects of Flamenco. It offered a fun section of the ballet and was a colourful performance not just in terms of the eyes but on the ears as well.

But another important aspect of Swan Lake is the Corps de ballet as the Swans. Because they are mimicking the movements of a Swan, the Corps de ballet must move in perfect synchronisation, making for a mesmerising and hypnotic display of all the Corps de ballet in White Swan outfits. In this instance, whilst they did have some very minute out of time moments, it was nothing too distracting to take away from the fabulous performance on stage. For the most part they moved in perfect synchronisation and really captured all that elegance and grace associated with a swan. It was overall sensational in terms of the performances.

An iconic moment was near the end where the Black Swans have surrounded a cowering Odette, hiding her from Siegfried who looks through the numerous conglomerations of other Black Swans to find her. The encompassing of the Black Swans hiding the White Swan perfectly symbolises the feelings of both Odette and Siegfried, having been torn apart and separated by the darkness enveloping Odette as she sinks further and further into despair.

Magical costumes

In terms of the costume and make up which was done by Asya Stoimenova, the standout was the different Princesses and their costumes which were really something magical and fun to behold. They each perfectly represented the different cultures well and added a fun extravagance to the performance.

The other costumes also fared well. Baron Rothbart, the evil magician played by Pierre Gaston wore black bird like feathers throughout most of the production besides the dance between Siegfried and Odile in which case he was dressed a black cape and mask, symbolising the darkness within.

Besides Odile and Rothbart all the characters costumes were colourful and reflected their characteristics, such as the bombastic and extravagant royal uniform, the white innocence of Odette and the black and hidden menace of Rothbart. However, that isn’t to say some of the costumes were perfect. During the second act, the Queen’s costume was perfectly fitted with glitter and really sparkled against the lighting which symbolised her power. But during the first act, parts of the costume did look a little precarious, looking as though parts of it were made of cardboard. Whilst not too distracting it was noticeable and could potentially take away from the power and prestige of the Queen. But besides that, costumes were bold, colourful, fun and perfectly incorporated.

Mise-en-scène: Perfectly captured the mood

As mentioned previously, Asya Stoimenova also handled the sets. While the costumes perfectly managed to capture where the characters were, with the palace setting often accompanied by the Corps de Ballet dressed as servants or maids and the lake as swans there was some props and use of sets to accompany this. A throne for the Queen and some stools for the servants and maids to sit whilst the Princesses performed did add to the scene and worked well. The throne was much higher than the stools symbolising the Queens higher status and it was a welcome touch towards setting the scene.

Lighting also played a crucial role in setting the scene, with bright and flashy multicoloured lights used whenever at the palace to symbolise the bombastic and extravagance of royal life contrasted with the muted and dimmer lighting used whenever at the lake to recreate the feeling of being by a still lake at night by yourself. The finale where Rothbart appears and confronts Siegfried by the lake used sudden bright orange flashes to build on the tension of this climatic end, creating lightning on the stage.

This would all be rather fine and brilliantly used, but there was another aspect to this. A screen projection at the back with backgrounds to the settings such as a palace, a ballroom and a lake were used. It was merely there to explain to the audience the setting, which can be useful if costume, sets and lighting can’t do that. The problem was the sets, costume and lighting were all used perfectly to help capture this setting. It therefore felt that the projector didn’t add anything the audience didn’t already know.

A joyous musical performance

One of Swan Lakes most defining features is the musical score accompanying it. One of Tchaikovsky’s most defining works, it has become just as iconic on it’s own as the ballet it goes alongside. Did conductor Peter Tuleshkov deliver on one of the most popular musical scores?

The answer is a resounding yes. Hitting all the key notes and delivering all the magic in all the right sections, Swan Lake just wouldn’t be Swan Lake without the music. It was such a treat to hear it performed with all its magic and wonder. Tuleshkov did a fantastic job with the score.

A wonderful, magical show

Walking out of the New Wimbledon Theatre into the cold London night after the performance was a reflective experience. Did some minor mistakes and diversions distract from the overall joyous display of peak ballet dancers performing one of the most challenging but rewarding ballets in history? Absolutely not. These were not distracting enough to ruin a brilliant production of Swan Lake.

Varna International Ballet took 75 years to get to the UK, but they sure did deliver on a promised night of entertaining ballet. They will also be performing the phenomenal Nutcracker alongside Swan Lake during their 75th Anniversary tour.

Ready to time-travel to other great performances? Don't miss our  interview with the Royal Opera House’s First Artist  Sae Maeda.

Photo Credits: © Shutterstock

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Swan lake: the greatest ballet of all time, a q&a with the royal opera house’s sae maeda, keersmaeker/ lopez/ ekman review — a show-stopping performance, stay tuned with our newsletter.

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Raymond Gubbay Varna Ballet tour UK 2023

By jmhopton June 27, 2022 in Ballet / Dance news & information

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This was in the Links a couple of days ago and I just thought it might be a good idea to give it a higher profile in case anyone missed it. The tour seems to be from Jan-Mar and is perhaps filling the gap left by Siberian (later Russian State) Ballet which presumably won't be returning next year. The theatres visited seem to be similar as is the rep. They are doing Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle and Coppelia though every theatre presumably chooses their own. I've already booked to see Giselle at Blackpool Grand Theatre where they are also doing Nutcracker and Swan Lake next Jan.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/uk-regional/article/Raymond-Gubbay-Limited-Announces-UK-Debut-For-Varna-International-Ballet-and-Orchestra-20220624

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Ouch - sounds like a very packed schedule:

"The company will visit Basingstoke, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Buxton, Darlington, Edinburgh, High Wycombe, Hull, Ipswich, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Southend, Wimbledon and Wolverhampton from January to March in 2023."

23 cities in 13 weeks!  Two locations with multiple performances each week?    

That’s brutal on the dancers they hire.    

I’d like to know more about the pay, working conditions and welfare.  

This must be a hastily arranged pick-up group (profit). I went to the ballet competition in Varna, Bulgaria, a few times and was not aware of any permanent ballet company or opera house in that resort city. There’s a theatre with a permanent ballet troupe in the capital, Sofia. This is different. I hope that it all goes well.

Buxton Opera House has a bit about them on their page for the shows:

Founded in 1947 and currently celebrating their 75th anniversary, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet comes to the UK for the very first time. Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.

Daniela Dimova Artistic Director Peter Tuleshkov Music Director and Chief Conductor

‘We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians to the UK for the very first time. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.’  

- Daniela Dimova

https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/whats-on/category/varna-international-ballet  

Ohhhhkay… 🤔 I guess that they were the best-kept secret in Varna, while all of those international ballet competitions were going on. Or maybe they disbanded during summer months. 

Or maybe it’s a group that’s toured elsewhere and are now filling the ‘Russian touring company’ gap in the UK.  

I notice Wales misses out completely!

I apologise, I see they are in Cardiff in December, where they open the tour. 

Pas de Quatre

I just did an on line search putting in Varna Opera which takes you to their website. There are links to YouTube for extracts from the ballets.  I watched some and liked what I saw, so will definitely get tickets to see them.

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Competition.

for professionals and professional government and private schools.

for nonprofessionals and dancers in Cultural houses, government organizations and schools ,private studios, dance clubs and schools majoring in dance.

The project is implemented with the financial support of the National Culture Fund of Bulgaria

Varna International Ballet - Swan Lake

Varna international ballet deliver a heartfelt adaption of tchaikovsky's classic ballet.

Founded in 1947 and currently celebrating their 75th anniversary, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet is touring the UK for the very first time. For the second night of their tour in Edinburgh, the company bring Tchaikovsky’s classic Swan Lake to the Edinburgh Playhouse .

While the Russian State Ballet Company of Siberia were originally scheduled to perform, a decision was taken by The Ambassador Theatre Group to cancel their performances in protest Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Due to the understandable circumstances, the replacement of Varna International Ballet is a well appreciated announcement and a fine replacement.

Swan Lake features a Prince, Princesses, and magic – every little girl’s dream. The cast’s performance is technically brilliant, and they dance without fault. Many ballet fans will be familiar with the famous Leitmotif (also known as the Swan’s Theme or Song of Swans ), involving a dazzling 16 turns which earn the Black Swan a rapturous applause. So too does  the wonderful dance of The Four Little White Swans .

Hearing Tchaikovsky’s lush score, conducted by Peter Tuleshkov, leading the company’s orchestra brings tears to the eyes before the interval even arrives. The dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most awe-inspiring challenges and Varna’s principal dancer embodies both characters well.

Despite the excellence of the dancing, there are a few let downs – though these may be due to personal preference. Some of the costumes feel a little pantomime-y. The evil wizard floats through the air with what looks like a bin bag cut to make feathers and the backdrop could pass as Windows screensaver graphics. While minor, they ultimately make the production feel a bit aged.

There are also a few points where the noise from the smoke machine pulls the audience out of the story, which certainly could and should be avoided.

The ending too comes across as unclear and rather abrupt, with a blue net dragged across the set presumably representing a wave that drowns both the Prince and the wizard Rothbart, with Odette still transformed into a swan.

All in all it’s a technically well performed show, and you cannot fault the dancing or the patience, persistence and determination on display. However the production quality lets it down, and with some up-scaling of the costumes and set, this production of Swan Lake  could easily be elevated.

Varna to tour three Tchaikovsky ballets

Published: 17 November 2023 Reporter: Steve Orme

Soloists have been revealed for Varna International Ballet and Orchestra’s 2024 UK tour of three Tchaikovsky works, The Nutcracker , Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty .

British dancer Luc Burns will perform alongside Italy’s Mara Salvaggio, Martina Prefetto, Giovanni Pompei, Agnese Di Dio Masa, Andrea Conforti, Mirko Andreutti, Giacomo Ammazzini and Vittorio Scolé, Pauline Clémence Faget (France), Mónica Alegre and Yael Delgado (Spain), and Brazil’s Wellson Felipio.

The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty will be classical versions while Swan Lake will be a recreation of Tchaikovsky’s original production, created for the Bolshoi Ballet in 1877. Varna International Ballet producers went into the archives to return to the original score, orchestration and libretto.

Artistic director Daniela Dimova and music director and chief conductor Peter Tuleshkov from Bulgaria-based Varna said, “we’re thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.”

Produced by Raymond Gubbay , the tour opens at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 January. It then visits Bristol Hippodrome, Buxton Opera House, Liverpool Empire, Blackpool Grand, Sheffield City Hall, Edinburgh Playhouse, Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall, Darlington Hippodrome, Hull’s New Theatre, Ipswich’s Regent Theatre, High Wycombe’s Swan, Wimbledon’s New Theatre, Norwich Theatre Royal, Reading Hexagon, Southend Cliffs Pavilion, The Anvil Basingstoke, Brighton Theatre Royal, Northampton’s Royal and Derngate, Leicester’s De Montfort Hall and New Theatre Oxford from Tuesday 27 until Thursday 29 February.

Related listings

• The Nutcracker - Tchaikovsky (Varna International Ballet)
• Swan Lake - Tchaikovsky (Varna International Ballet)
• Sleeping Beauty - Tchaikovsky (Varna International Ballet)

* Some links, including Amazon, Stageplays.com, Bookshop.org, ATG Tickets, LOVEtheatre, BTG Tickets, Ticketmaster, LW Theatres and QuayTickets, are affiliate links for which BTG may earn a small fee at no extra cost to the purchaser.

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The 22nd annual Varna International Music Festival in South Carolina, June 14 - July 16, 2023.

Join us for Muzika! 2023. With an exciting series of over 25 performances in Columbia, Augusta, Greenville, Georgetown, and The Grand Strand, there’s sure to be one close to you! Revel in the internationally-renowned talent of the Varna International Orchestra and phenomenal singers under the baton of Metropolitan Opera conductor: Maestro Gregory Buchalter and Charles Evans, conductor of The Long Bay Symphony. Purchase your tickets now for these world-class experiences!

For a limited time, use promo code: BOGOVIMA23 to get a second ticket free!

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Captivating, large-scale sacred music featuring four soloists from The Metropolitan Opera. Engage in the musical experience of Verdi through one of his most esteemed choral works!

A beautiful selection of arias, duets and ensembles from the most beloved operas . Perfect for experienced opera lovers and beginners alike!

A fully staged opera set in 1940s New York. This moving opera combines themes of racism, murder, social status, youth culture, and poverty to tell this tragic story of a family looking for escape.

Mozart and DaPonte's comic opera masterpiece follows Figaro and Susanna on their wedding day as they navigate a slew of schemes and hijinks to try and make it to the end of the day happily married.

Enjoy some of the greatest vocal compositions from the past 350 years, all in one sitting!

An evening with Metropolitan Opera Singer, Renee Tatum, featuring her very own pianist and a wide range of professional operatic repertoire!

An exploration of classical music , ranging from W.A. Mozart to Anthony Plog featuring Varna’s very own instrumental faculty.

An enchanted evening of popular songs from Broadway performances – from Golden Age classics to the musicals of today!

Be transported and transformed with emotional intensity as Varna International's finest vocalists perform selections from Italian masters such as Verdi, Bellini, and Donizetti.

An exquisite afternoon of Music for Violin and Viola by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and more followed by a Wine and Cheese Reception (included in admission)

A thrilling installment in Varna’s Master Artist Concert Series, with music for Violin, Cello, Bass, and Piano by Franck, Mendelssohn, Schoenfield, and Rossini!

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Photos: First Look at SWAN LAKE & THE NUTCRACKER From the Varna International Ballet's Debut UK Tour

The company – comprised of 40 dancers and 30 musicians - will visit Basingstoke, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Buxton, Darlington, Edinburgh, and more.

The Varna International Ballet and Orchestra is visiting the UK for the very first time in their 75-year history.

Get a first look at photos of The Nutcracker and Swan Lake below!

British dancers Perdita-Jayne Lancaster, Claire Gillard, and Megan Reid will perform alongside Italy's Marco di Salvo, Giulia Visalli, Frederico Farina, Marcello Pelizzoni and Vittorio Scole, France's Pauline Clemence Faget and Pierre Gaston, Spain's Francesca Busqets, Nahia Barcena and Xavier Lara Gill, Germany's Julianna Correia Dreyssig, and Ukraine's Anastasia Lebedyk.

The company - comprised of 40 dancers and 30 musicians - will visit Basingstoke, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Buxton, Darlington, Edinburgh, High Wycombe, Hull, Ipswich, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Southend, Wimbledon and Wolverhampton from January to March in 2023.

Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home in Bulgaria and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.

The ballets performed this season are:

The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky's haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet's most unmissable technical challenges.

Every toy has a story, especially in this charming comedy of errors, a witty combination of antics and abracadabra, set in a doll maker's workshop. This lighthearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers follows mischievous Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz and the eccentric toymaker Dr.Coppelius as they are brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes. Coppélia is perfect for first-time ballet goers, families and everyone in between.

The most poignant of all classical ballets is filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave. The moving story of delicate Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht is set to a glorious score. From the visual splendour of the rustic villagers happily gathering the harvest at the start of the story to the eerie moonlit forest haunted by beautifully drifting spirits, this production is unforgettable.

The Nutcracker

This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins...

Photo credit: Elliott Franks

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Varna International Ballet and Orchestra TOUR!

Raymond Gubbay Limited  is pleased to announce that  Varna International Ballet and Orchestra  will visit the UK for the very first time in their 75-year history with classical performances of  THE NUTCRACKER, SWAN LAKE, COPPÉLIA  and  GISELLE . The season will open at St David’s Hall Cardiff 17 – 31 December 2022

The company will visit Basingstoke, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Buxton, Darlington, Edinburgh, High Wycombe, Hull, Ipswich, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Southend, Wimbledon and Wolverhampton from January to March in 2023.

Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home in Bulgaria and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.

Artistic Director Daniela Dimova and Music Director and Chief Conductor Peter Tuleshkov from Varna International Ballet and Orchestra said:

‘We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians to the UK for the very first time. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.’

Varna State Opera was founded in 1947 by the renowned Bulgarian tenor Peter Raycheff. The main credit for the development of the ballet troupe goes to Galina and Stefan Yordanov who were Artistic Directors and choreographers for over 25 years (1960-1985). They formed the image of the Varna Ballet and brought it to the international stage and founded the first and now world-famous Varna International Ballet Competition in 1964. Since 2010 Varna State Opera and Varna Drama Theatre are united in one cultural institute called Theatre and Music Production Centre Varna.

The ballets performed this season are:

Swan Lake  

The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

Every toy has a story, especially in this charming comedy of errors, a witty combination of antics and abracadabra, set in a doll maker’s workshop. This lighthearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers follows mischievous Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz and the eccentric toymaker Dr.Coppelius as they are brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes. Coppélia is perfect for first-time ballet goers, families and everyone in between.

  The most poignant of all classical ballets is filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave. The moving story of delicate Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht is set to a glorious score. From the visual splendour of the rustic villagers happily gathering the harvest at the start of the story to the eerie moonlit forest haunted by beautifully drifting spirits, this production is unforgettable.

The Nutcracker  

This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…

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Varna International Ballet UK tour

Four well-known ballets, two romantic stories, two fantasy stories involving toys, one a Christmas staple presented by a renowned European Ballet Company making its debut touring in the UK. Raymond Gubbay Limited is pleased to announce that Varna International Ballet and Orchestra will visit the UK for the very first time in their 75-year history with classical performances of THE NUTCRACKER, SWAN LAKE, COPPÉLIA and GISELLE. The season will open at St David’s Hall Cardiff 17 – 31 December 2022 and the tour concludes towards the end of March.

Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home in Bulgaria and abroad with its performances of the highest quality. Artistic Director Daniela Dimova and Music Director and Chief Conductor Peter Tuleshkov from Varna International Ballet and Orchestra said:  ‘ We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians to the UK for the very first time. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.’

Swan Lake - The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

Coppélia - Every toy has a story, especially in this charming comedy of errors, a witty combination of antics and abracadabra, set in a doll maker’s workshop. This light-hearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers follows mischievous Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz and the eccentric toymaker Dr.Coppelius as they are brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes. Coppélia is perfect for first-time ballet goers, families, and everyone in between.

Giselle - The most poignant of all classical ballets is filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery, and forgiveness from beyond the grave. The moving story of delicate Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht is set to a glorious score. From the visual splendour of the rustic villagers happily gathering the harvest at the start of the story to the eerie moonlit forest haunted by beautifully drifting spirits, this production is unforgettable.

The Nutcracker - This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins...

Varna State Opera was founded in 1947 by the renowned Bulgarian tenor Peter Raycheff. The main credit for the development of the ballet troupe goes to Galina and Stefan Yordanov who were Artistic Directors and choreographers for over 25 years (1960-1985). They formed the image of the Varna Ballet and brought it to the international stage and founded the first and now world-famous Varna International Ballet Competition in 1964. Since 2010 Varna State Opera and Varna Drama Theatre are united in one cultural institute called Theatre and Music Production Centre Varna.

The company have travelled extensively taking either touring ballets as we will be able to see to countries like Belgium, Montenegro, Serbia, Mexico, or entering international competitions in Turkey and Romania. For more information on their upcoming UK tour, please go to www.raymondgubbay.co.uk

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Svetlin Ivelinov

Diana white, irina kashkova, momchil mladenov.

USA / China

Isis Calil De Albaquerque

Antoaneta aleksieva, filip milanov, petia ilieva, vladimir angelov, 03 july 2023, master classes outside the festival program / by choice, age group from 7 to 13 years:.

08:30 – 09:30 – Diana White, USA – prima of the New York City Ballet, teacher

• Classical Exercise

09:45 – 11:15 – Momchil Mladenov, China – NYB premier soloist, teacher at National School - Beijing

• Repertoire of Balanchine

11:30 – 13:00 – Petya Ivieva, Finland – Prima of the Finnish National Ballet, teacher at the National Ballet School of Finland

• Repertoire of Bournonville, Danish school

13:15 – 14:45 – Antoaneta Aleksieva – choreographer and pedagogue in the National Dance Art School

• Typical Dance Techniques

Age Group From 14 to 21 years:

08:30 – 09:30 – Momchil Mladenov, China – NYB premier soloist, teacher at National School - Beijing

09:45 – 11:15 – Diana White, USA – prima of the New York City Ballet, teacher

11:30 – 13:00 – Kristina Grigorova, Italy

• Pointe Exercise, Reportoire

13:15 – 14:45 – Isis Calil De Albaquerque, Germany

• Contemporary

Varna Towers

Hristo Botev Cultural Center

Festival And Congress Centre - Varna

Varna International Ballet and Orchestra make UK performance debut

Claire Foster

Varna International Ballet and Orchestra is visiting the UK for the very first time in its 75-year history with classical performances of  The Nutcracker , Giselle , and Coppélia .

Presented by Raymond Gubbay Limited,  Varna International Ballet and Orchestra will stop over at Oxford New Theatre between 30 January and 01 February.

Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home in Bulgaria and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.

Artistic Director Daniela Dimova and Music Director and Chief Conductor Peter Tuleshkov from Varna International Ballet and Orchestra said:

“We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians to the UK for the very first time. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.”

Varna State Opera was founded in 1947 by the renowned Bulgarian tenor Peter Raycheff. The main credit for developing the ballet troupe goes to Galina and Stefan Yordanov, who were Artistic Directors and choreographers for over 25 years (1960-1985). 

They formed the image of the Varna Ballet and brought it to the international stage and founded the first and now world-famous Varna International Ballet Competition in 1964. Since 2010 Varna State Opera and Varna Drama Theatre have been united in one cultural institute called Theatre and Music Production Centre Varna.

The ballet performances for this season are:

Coppélia  – Every toy has a story, especially in this charming comedy of errors, a witty combination of antics and abracadabra, set in a doll maker’s workshop. This lighthearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers follows mischievous Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz and the eccentric toymaker Dr Coppelius as they are brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes. Coppélia is perfect for first-time ballet goers, families and everyone in between.

View event details

Buy tickets

Read more: Win tickets to Coppelia by Varna International Ballet and Orchestra

Giselle – The most poignant of all classical ballets, is filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave. The moving story of delicate Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht is set to a glorious score. From the visual splendour of the rustic villagers happily gathering the harvest at the start of the story to the eerie moonlit forest haunted by beautifully drifting spirits, this production is unforgettable.

The Nutcracker  – This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince, and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…

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