Pencho Milkov met with the jury of the International Competition for Young Opera Singers - Tenors "Kamen's Voice"

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Mayor Pencho Milkov held a meeting today with soprano Tanya Ivanova and the director of the State Opera – Ruse Plamen Beykov, who are members of the jury of the International Competition for Young Opera Singers – Tenors “Kamen’s Voice” taking place in the city. The musical forum is being organized for the third year and is in memory of the opera singer’s late husband – Kamen Chanev. The meeting was also attended by the world-famous conductor and tenor José Cura, who a few days ago played Mario Cavaradossi in the opera “Tosca” and also participated in the selection of the performers in his capacity as chairman of the jury.

“The Ruse audience knows and loves classical music. It is an honor for us that our city is hosting this competition, which, in addition to searching for opera talents, also shows us how great, true love changes us, namely – to give our best,” said the mayor. He also stated that “Kamen’s Voice” has brilliantly fulfilled its mission to date – to preserve and continue the ideas of the late Kamen Chanev for complete dedication, professionalism and honesty towards art.

During the meeting, the importance of the competition for young opera performers, the role of cultural events for the development and recognition of a city, as well as the need for Ruse to continue to be a place where great art meets its audience were discussed. It was emphasized that such forums create opportunities for young artists to be heard and take an important step in their professional path, but at the same time enrich the cultural life of the city and affirm its tradition as an important center of musical culture.
Tanya Ivanova said that she and her husband were in love with Ruse. According to her, every visit to the city was emotional, and the first thing he showed her with excitement in the city was the Income Building – a building that remains one of her favorites to this day.

José Cura shared his impressions of the organization of the competition and the joint work with the team of the State Opera – Ruse. He emphasized that he was particularly impressed by the cohesion of the team and the way in which people work together with a common goal. In his words, such a feeling of unity and collegiality is not often found in opera houses in different countries and it is this atmosphere that makes the experience in Ruse special. He also expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity for the competition to bring together young talented singers and established names from the world music scene in one place.

Tonight at 8 p.m. on the square, the audience will have the opportunity to participate directly in the third round of the International Competition for Young Opera Singers – Tenors “The Voice of Kamen”. In the round “The Artist and the City”, each participant will present a work of their choice, revealing their artistic individuality and national identity. The audience will determine their favorite and the winner of the Audience Award, which is worth 4,000 euros. The funds were donated by Sabine Schneider from Germany, who is a great admirer of the art of the late Kamen Chanev. All candidates can participate in the third round, regardless of their ranking in the final stage. Admission is free, and Ruse residents will be able to meet young tenor voices with the potential for a great international career.

The award ceremony and the final gala concert of the laureates will take place on August 27 /Thursday/ at 7 p.m. in the Opera Hall. The music during the event will be performed by the State Opera – Ruse orchestra under the baton of Maestro José Cura.

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