ph. Krum Stoev
The XVI International Master Class of Raina Kabaivanska organized by New Bulgarian University ended with spectacular Gala concert at Sofia Opera and Ballet House on September 25, 2016. The concert was devoted to the 25-th anniversary of New Bulgarian University and in memoriam of Prof. Bogdan Bogdanov – the founder of the University.
The audience was moved by Raina Kabaivanska’s words in memoriam of Prof. Bogdanov. Great opera actress expressed her gratitude to New Bulgarain University, to the Executive Director Mr. George Tekev (PhD) and to the sponsors of the Master Class for their persuasion in her cause to discover and develop young talented opera singers.
Twelve opera singers from Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, China, Serbia, Chile and South Korea participated in the Gala concert with the Orchestra of Sofia Opera and Ballet, conducted by Maestro Nayden Todorov. At the end of the concert Raina Kabaivanska awarded scholarships for academic 2016/2017 disbursed from her Charity Fund at New Bulgarian University. Holder of the Grand scholarship for one year training in Vecchi-Tonelli Music Institute in Modena, Italy became the young Serbian basso Strahinja Djokic. The youngest participant in the Master Class – 18 years old soprano Alexandrina Mihailova (Bulgaria) was awarded the scholarship of Sofia Municipality and America for Bulgaria Foundation – for preparation in Bulgaria and participation in the Master Class of Raina Kabaivanska at Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy. Scholarships for training in Vecchi-Tonelli Music Institute in Modena also received Beibei Li (China), Daniela Nineva and Mario Arsenov (Bulgaria), Yonghyun (Davide) Ryu (South Korea) and Marily Santoro (Italy). Scholarships for young opera singers were provided by Raina Kabaivanska Fund at NBU with the support of Sofia Municipality, America for Bulgaria Foundation and Fantastico.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Academic Council of NBU the Rector of the University – Prof. Plamen Bochkov, awarded Raina Kabaivanska the NBU Medal of Honour on the occasion of the 25-th anniversary of its founding - for the exceptional contributions of the legendary opera actress to the University, for establishing of the School of Kabaivanska, for conducting of 16 Master Classes, opera performances and for the numerous scholarships awarded from her Charity Fund at NBU, for the discovered talents and working on refining their skills as well as for the help in introducing them at the world opera stage.
Gala concert ended with the aria of the princess Turandot performed by the scholarship holders of the Master Class for 2016 and with special participation of Raina Kabaivanska. They will also take part in the opera “Turandot” at the stage of Sofia Opera and Ballet House on December 9, 11 and 13, 2016.