According to Nova.bg and SY11 reporting, soprano Sonya Yonчева and tenor Jonas Kaufmann drew an audience of over 5,000 people to the Alexander Nevsky Square in Sofia on August 25, 2026, for an open-air production of Puccini’s opera “Tosca”. Yonчева served as organizer, producer, and the lead role performer, while Kaufmann played Mario Cavaradossi in the megaproject backed by local institutions and corporate partners.
Production Scale and Artistic Team at Alexander Nevsky Square
The staging utilized the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral as a natural backdrop for the Roman church setting of the opera’s first act. According to Nova.bg, the Sofia Opera chorus and orchestra performed under the direction of maestro Grigor Palikarov. The cast featured Bulgarian baritone Plamen Dimitrov as Baron Scarpia, alongside soloists and technical teams from the Sofia Opera and the “Smiling Stars” children’s choir.
Did you know? The performance marked Jonas Kaufmann’s first stage appearance following his summer break and the announcement of his new season, as reported by SY11.
Artist Reflections on the Roles of Tosca and Cavaradossi
Jonas Kaufmann described the opera to media partners as “the ultimate criminal drama,” adding that Giacomo Puccinni composed works that feel like true films, according to SY11. Sonya Yonчева stated that Tosca is an actress consumed by love for religion, art, and her partner, making her capable of extreme actions. Yonчева noted that she has performed the role globally in cities including New York, Rome, Vienna, and London.
Festival Context and Upcoming Events
The open-air opera served as the second event of the “Gala in Sofia” festival, which opened with an electronic music set by French DJ Charles B, who blends classical music with techno. The festival culminates on August 27 with a crossover concert titled “Blue Night” featuring violinist David Garrett and Sonya Yonчева. SY11 organizes the festival with support from the Sofia Municipality, the Oborishte district, and the Bulgarian Patriarchate, alongside various corporate sponsors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who starred in “Tosca” at the Alexander Nevsky Square?
Sonya Yonчева starred as Floria Tosca, Jonas Kaufmann performed as Mario Cavaradossi, and Plamen Dimitrov appeared as Baron Scarpia.
Who conducted the orchestra for the performance?
Maestro Grigor Palikarov led the Sofia Opera chorus and orchestra.
What organization produced the festival?
The production company SY11 Events, founded by Sonya Yonчева, organized the “Gala in Sofia” festival.
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