Darina Takova herself gives us more details on the activities of her foundation:

“I have many interesting ideas and projects. The implementation of the latter has been constantly expanding, it is not simply some occupation, but a mission now. I want to create a new singing generation here, as opera and its singers are essential for Bulgaria. Opera is an elite art. We can’t expect the support of the masses, but we have that support even though a bit lost over the years; but I will do my best to continue to have that shine and image, regarding the global aspects of opera. This art is for passionate followers and well prepared audience. One needs to know it, in order to become a fan and things should begin carefully at an early age. We, the generation of the 1960s and 1970s had very deep tuition, as far as singing and the history of music were concerned. My first meeting with opera was really funny, as they took us from school to the Magic Flute. Later on the Queen of Night role made my career. A fact. It all started back in 1988 with that role.”

More from Darina for her victories in music:

“It can’t happen all at once, as the sudden drop onto such a big stage would mean a direct heart attack. It is a matter of gradual moving up – it is not coincidence that La Scala means “a ladder”. One has to go a long way, in order to reach Metropolitan, nothing happens by chance. Then you are prepared, it is not that boom from heaven. Before my La Traviata rendition at Arena di Verona all colleagues used to warn me: “Be careful! Don’t look up, don’t go in there!” And it made sense – when the audience of 20,000 lights traditionally candles you get into a fairytale world, feeling so small and scared… However, I didn’t get scared there. I went through a special state of mind in Metropolitan, which is a giant closed space, a really huge theatre. It was then that I said to myself: “I must fill in that space with my voice and presence!” I did it with Faust by Gounod in 2006. Still, Covent Garden remains my favorite theatre – I cried there, while Traviata was starting, as I was saying to myself: “Wow! Where did I come? What have I achieved! Thank you for everything that I was gifted to live through!”

“I can say that I went through the golden age of opera,” the singer goes on to say. “I retired from active singing exactly in 2006, the last year of that golden age. The crisis is now full, especially in Italy – closure of theatres, cancelled titles, payment issues. And money matters, when one has started to perform and sing during one’s childhood… I wanted the foundation to carry my name, in order to be recognizable internationally. I have planned a whole opera show for next year – La Traviata, with my master class and directed by a really huge name,” Darina Takova says in conclusion.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev