CMA hosts Bulgarian State Opera with “The Marriage of Figaro”

The Cleveland Museum of Art’s VIVA! and Gala Around Town series presents the Cleveland debut of the Bulgarian State Opera in their production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28, at Playhouse Square’s Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland.

Established in 1996, the Bulgarian State Opera is based on the great opera traditions of Bulgaria and performs more than 70 impressive shows annually. Formerly known as the legendary Opera Verdi Europa, the performances of Bulgarian State Opera are co-productions of the major opera houses of Bulgaria, theatres where many eminent singers have started their world careers, including Gena Dimitrova. The company was recently designated its country's national opera company by the Bulgarian president and parliament.

Many world-renowned singers, including the esteemed Orlin Anastassov and Dario Volonte, made their debuts in Bulgarian State Opera productions, where members of the company’s orchestra, choir, and ballet are carefully selected from the best of Bulgarian musicians, singers, and dancers.

The Marriage of Figaro is a storied account of the madcap events surrounding the union of Figaro and Susanna, attendants to Count Almaviva and his lamenting wife. Filled with flirtatious foolery and mistaken identities, this lighthearted opera is presented in Italian with English super titles. The Opera buffa was first conducted by Mozart in 1786 at the Burgtheater in Vienna. 

Admission to the performance is $34, but $32 for CMA members. Students pay what they can at the night of the performance—subject to availability, with valid student IDs. To purchase tickets, call the CMA Ticket Center at 1-888-CMA-0033 or online at www.clevelandart.org/viva. Parking is available at the Playhouse Square Center Parking Garage.

The Museum receives operating support from the Ohio Arts Council.