Sofia Opera’s Elektra Thrills Istanbul

Sofia Opera and Ballet Company’s powerful performance of Richard Strauss's opera Elektra captivated nearly 2,000 spectators at Istanbul’s Ataturk Cultural Centre on Thursday evening. Part of the 16th Istanbul International Opera Festival, the production was the first staging of Elektra in Istanbul in 18 years, CE Report quotes BTA

Festival Artistic Director Caner Akgun praised the Bulgarian artists’ “magnificent voices” and the production’s “breathtaking suspense.” The festival, organized by Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Ministry, runs until June 3. Akgun expressed hope for future collaborations with the Sofia Opera and Ballet Company, calling their performance a highlight that raised the festival’s level.