Event: Bulgaria - Plovdiv

Opera Festival

When:	Jun - Jul 2008 (annual)
Where:	Philippopolis Theatre
Costs:	Lv20 for foreign visitors; Lv4-Lv6 for Bulgarian citizens
Opening Hours:	9pm

The ancient Philippopolis Theatre in the historic old town of Plovdiv presents its annual Opera Festival, which always includes one of Verdi's staged works. The event has become one of the biggest summer attractions in the city, hosting renowned guest producers and conductors and attracting a wide international audience.

First held in 1987, the 21st festival in 2007 includes performances of Donizetti's L'Elisir d'amore (20 & 22 June), Bellini's Norma (27 June), Johann Strauss's Der Ziegeunerbaron (4 & 6 July) and, to end, Verdi's Aida.

Performed by the Plovdiv Opera and Philharmonic Society, the festival also usually includes a gala concert.