This evening the second performance of "Pagliacci" takes place - a joint production of the Stara Zagora Opera and Balkanski Circus. Kamen Chanev, who is one of the most remarkable Bulgarian tenors, is in the role of Canio.

After 25 years on the opera stage, a repertoire of over 30 major roles and successful performances in the most famous opera theaters in the world, Kamen Chanev continues to claim he is an ordinary person who simply loves his work and tries to do it as good as possible. His official debut was in the Sofia Opera Theatre, in the role of Rigoletto from Verdi's opera of the same name. Five seasons later he became a soloist at the Prague Opera House, and two years later he settled in Vienna and decided to go freelance. 

Born in the town of Sliven, he graduated from the French Language High School there. He continued his studies at the Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music in Sofia - first in the class of Prof. Sima Ivanova, and then with Prof. Konstanza Vachkova.

“A great role for my progress was also played by the ‘Student’s Theatre’ in Sliven,” the famous singer says. “The merit for the opening of this theatre goes to Mr. Georgi Yordanov, who was the best Minister of Culture, according to me. Singing on stage while studying was a golden opportunity. Unfortunately, current students do not have this chance. As I graduated from the Academy, I already had 4-5 major roles. Then I became part of the class of Alexandrina Milcheva at the Boris Christoff  Academy in Rome. I think the main thing that turned me into an artist is the stage. I have sung in every opera theatre in Bulgaria. As a student I started at the Rousse Opera where I worked under the guidance of famous conductor Georgi Dimitrov. These were years of experience, gathering repertoire and self-confidence.”

Arena di Verona, Staatsoper in Vienna, Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Deutsche Oper in Berlin, Teatro Liceu in Barcelona... These are just some of the big opera theatres Kamen Chanev has performed in. Where is his favourite stage and audience?

"I have always said that Deutsche Oper in Berlin is "my theatre". It may sound strange, but I felt most free there. I also like the Teatro dell'Opera in Rome. A few seasons ago I did many roles there. Of course, I should not miss the Sofia Opera, as my career started there. Around the world I met on stage with other Bulgarian opera singers – Kiril Manolov, a great friend of mine, Mariana Pencheva and many other Bulgarian artists. Puccini is one of my favourite composers and one of my favorite roles is des Grieux from Manon Lescaut perhaps because this was my debut at the Staatsoper in Vienna. I think this is one of my ‘happy’ roles. I have not broken my link with the Sofia Opera and the other Bulgarian opera theatres. Despite my work across the world, whenever I am free, I come and sing in Bulgaria. I think the best audience is here. The Bulgarian audience can feel it when you immerse yourself in the music. In Germany, for example, you may have done something great, but the audience reacts at the end of the show. This somehow affects the performer, as the lack of reaction makes you sometimes doubt yourself. It's hard to sing to such an audience. In Bulgaria, if the audience likes you and you sing well, the experience on stage becomes a pleasure. I think the biggest mistake is to think you have reached the peak. We just need to have fun and to perform the music of the composers, as they are the true ‘peaks’. We're just artists. The secret is to be real, to recreate the images and the genius music through your voice. We are mediators between people and the Lord. I think He shows His beauty through our voices.”

English: Alexander Markov