For followers of Richard Wagner and his epic works, the Sofia Opera & Ballet's 2025 production of "Tannhäuser" - part of this year's Wagner Festival - is proving to be a noteworthy artistic event. Directed by Plamen Kartaloff, this new staging has received positive feedback, particularly for its visual presentation, the strength of its all-Bulgarian cast, and its insightful interpretation of the opera's themes.
Here's a detailed breakdown of what various publications, as few as they are, are reporting, with links to their reviews:
OperaWire
Review Title: Sofia Opera & Ballet 2025 Review: Tannhäuser Published: July 2, 2025
OperaWire describes the Sofia "Tannhäuser" as a significant achievement, suggesting it sets a standard for future productions. The review highlights Plamen Kartaloff's direction, noting its visual richness with "luscious set designs rich in color," "abstract interpretations of costumes," and "sensual pleasures unfolding through careful choreography." The effective use of "minimal yet luminous lighting, excellent use of negative space, and symbolism" is also mentioned as contributing to the visual narrative.
Kartaloff's interpretation is recognized for exploring the opera's core conflict: Tannhäuser's struggle between the "boundless sexual fantasies and free love" of Venusberg and the "closed and retrograde world of conservatism" of Wartburg. The opening Bacchanale in Venusberg is specifically noted for its "sexual energy and virility" and "natural and beautiful" choreography, presented in vibrant reds, purples, and magentas.
Conductor Constantin Trinks is commended for his leadership of the orchestra, which demonstrated "detail oriented dynamics and joyful playing with aplomb." His conducting is seen as contributing to a deep appreciation for Wagner's music.
Vocal performances are also detailed. Martin Iliev as Tannhäuser is praised for a physically engaged portrayal and a "baritone that rang pure and true," with well-aligned vocal registers. Gabriela Georgieva's Venus is described as memorable, with her "sexual nuance" and stage presence enhanced by her costume. The review concludes by noting audience members were "humming Wagner's music" after the performance.
Read the full review here:
BTA (Bulgarian News Agency)
Review Title: Wagner's “Tannhauser” Opens at Sofia Opera to Enthusiastic Reception Published: June 27, 2025
BTA reports a strong reception for the "Tannhäuser" premiere, noting a "10-minute standing ovation" and audience applause. This indicates a well-received production.
The agency identifies Plamen Kartaloff as a key figure in this success, referring to him as a "true master, a Wagner expert, a visionary, and a world-class director." Kartaloff's interpretation aims to explore "the music of a free person - free from prejudice and the limits of reason," and he views the production as offering a message of "spiritual cleansing, salvation, and forgiveness" relevant to contemporary society.
A significant point for BTA is that the almost five-hour production features an "entirely Bulgarian cast." This is presented as an historic achievement that demonstrates the Sofia Opera's capacity for staging Wagnerian works. The report also acknowledges the contributions of conductor Constantin Trinks, set designer Sven Jonke, costume designer Hristiyana Mihaleva-Zorbalieva, and lighting designer Andrey Khaydinyak. Attendees included Culture Minister Marian Bachev, and floral tributes were sent from various national figures.
Read the full report here:
БНР (BNR - Bulgarian National Radio)
Report Title: Summer, music, gods and heroes – Sofia Opera invites its fans to the traditional Wagner Festival Published: June 21, 2025 (pre-premiere press conference coverage)
While this report precedes the premiere, it provides important context for the production's artistic vision. BNR highlights that "Tannhäuser" is the ninth Wagner title presented by the Sofia Opera under Plamen Kartaloff's leadership, showing the company's consistent engagement with Wagner's works.
Kartaloff expressed pride in the "entirely Bulgarian cast," stating that "Wagner fixes the voices," which points to the demanding nature of the repertoire and the commitment of the singers.
Conductor Constantin Trinks also shared his positive experience working with the Bulgarian artists. He noted that it is unusual for an opera house to stage a Wagner work solely with its own talent, suggesting it is a testament to the Sofia Opera's capabilities. Trinks described his return to Sofia as "coming home, to a family."
Kartaloff further discussed his thematic interpretation, connecting the opera's message to "the church and society for the consolidation of faith, for optimism and hope in today's world of wars." He framed the production as a contemporary drama about an individual's search for "wholeness and freedom in a world torn between extremes." Set designer Sven Jonke mentioned the "complete freedom" Kartaloff allows his collaborators, fostering creative design. This report established the framework for the production's subsequent reception.
Read the full report here:
Learn more about the Sofia Opera & Ballet and their "Tannhäuser" production:
Sofia Opera & Ballet Official Website:
https://www.operasofia.bg/en/ "Tannhäuser" Production Page:
https://www.operasofia.bg/en/repertoire/852