ONLINE! Sofia Opera and Ballet “Cinderella”

Dear friends,

The Bulgarian Cultural Institute London is pleased to invite you to the online presentation of highlights from the new production of “Cinderella” at the Sofia Opera and Ballet, on 25.032021, from 18:00 GMT.

Svetlina Stoyanova debuted in the lead role- a mezzo-soprano, already has extensive experience on the European stage.

After initially going to study psychology and singing at Glasgow University, music caught up with the young singer and she eventually graduated from the prestigious Royal Conservatory in Scotland, one of the five most renowned conservatories in the world.

In this exclusive interview, given especially for the Bulgarian Cultural Institute in London, Svetlina Stoyanova says what it feels like to return to the home stage, and the director of the show, Vera Petrova, reveals a little more about the approach of the creative team and the concept of “Cinderella” in Rossini’s version.

Composition:

Svetlina Stoyanova

Hrisimir Damyanov

Atanas Mladenov

Nikolai Petrov

Ina Kalinova

Blagovesta Meki- Tsvetkova

Stefan Vladimirov

RESIDENCE TEAM:

CONDUCTOR: George Dimitrov

DIRECTOR: Vera Petrova

SCENE DESIGNER: Boryana Angelova

COSTUME ARTIST: Hristiana Mihaleva-Zorbalieva

CHOREOGRAPHER: Maria Lukanova

CHOIR CONDUCTOR: Violeta Dimitrova

LIGHTING ARTIST: Andrey Haidinyak

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Rositsa Kostova

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR RESPONSIBLE: Vera Beleva

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Stefka Georgieva

CONCERT MASTER: Lyudmil Nenchev

ACCURATOR: Milen Stanev

ACCURATOR: Pelagia Cherneva – Panayotova

TRANSLATION AND SUBTITLES: Snezhina Rusinova-Zdravkova

 

Synopsis:

 

Action I:

In a hall in Don Manifico’s castle, his vain daughters Clorinda and Tisbe beautify themselves. Their half-sister, Cinderella, is comforted by a song about a king who chose a bride with a good heart (‘Una volta c’era un re’). A beggar enters (actually, Prince Ramiro’s teacher, Alidoro). Cinderella gives him something to eat, which angers her sisters. Courtiers enter and announce the impending arrival of the prince, who at a ball will choose the most beautiful woman for his wife. The ensuing excitement caused great confusion.The courtiers go out; the “beggar” also leaves, predicting that Cinderella will be happy the next day. As they quarrel over the privilege of telling their father the good news, Clorinda and Tisbe wake him up. Don Manifico interprets a dream he has just had as a prediction of his happiness. The dream of the impoverished baron, who sees himself as the grandfather of kings, seems to be confirmed by the message of his daughters (‘Miei rampolli femminini’).

Prompted by his mentor, Alidoro, Ramiro exchanged his clothes with his servant Dandini. When the disguised prince enters the house, he and Cinderella immediately fall in love (‘Un soave non so che’). Dundini arrives, clumsily playing the role of the prince (‘Come un’ape ne’ giorni d’aprile ’). Clorinda and Tisbe are introduced to him. Cinderella begs her stepfather to take her to the ball (‘Signor, una parola’), but Manifico orders her to stay home. With a list of unmarried women in the region, Alidoro asks Don Manifico for a third daughter; he says she died. Everyone is confused.Alidoro later revealed his identity to Cinderella and invited her to the ball, hinting at a change in her fate (‘Là del ciel’). At the palace, Dandini and Ramiro share their impressions of Manifico’s daughters. Clorinda and Tisbe treat Ramiro with contempt, believing that he is Dandini’s servant. Everyone is captivated by the arrival of a mysterious lady. When she lifts her veil, they are struck by her unusual resemblance to Cinderella.

 

Action II:

Manifiko imagines himself to be the prince’s father-in-law and, as chief winemaker, creates new drinking laws. Ramiro overhears Cinderella deflect Dandini’s courtship because she loves her “weapon bearer.” Ramiro begs her to be his, but she gives him a bracelet and tells him that he will find her because she wears the same bracelet. Then, if he still loves her, she will marry him. Ramiro takes on the role of a prince and decides to look for Cinderella.Dandini stimulates Manifico’s fantasies and then reveals his true identity (‘Un segreto d’importanza’). When they return home, the sisters find Cinderella by the fire and pounce on her because she looks like the beauty of the ball.

Alidoro settles a storm and causes an accident so that the prince’s carriage overturns in front of their house. Cinderella and Ramiro recognize each other (‘Siete voi’), and everyone is amazed (‘Questo è un nodo avviluppato’). Ramiro takes Cinderella away, and Alidoro celebrates. At the wedding, Cinderella intercedes for the prince for Manifico and her sisters. She reflects on how her destiny has changed (‘Nacqui all’affanno, al pianto’).