Sofia Opera prepares for the premiere of "The Hermit of Rila" in St. Alexander Nevsky square

The Sofia Opera and Ballet will present the musical poem about the life and work of the heavenly protector of the Bulgarian people – St. John of Rila, on 26, 27 and 28 July in the square in front of the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia.

The musical poem "The Hermit of Rila" is based on a text by Tihomir Pavlov and music by Father Kiril Popov. The director and stage designer of the large-scale production is Plamen Kartaloff.

"Today on the day of St. Marina we are in the crypt of the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to be together as one big family. We all have an occasion to bow before St. John of Rila. With God's help, let us wish each other success in this work, whose main driver is Maestro Plamen Kartaloff," said Father Kiril, the author of the musical poem, at a press conference dedicated to the premiere performances of the Sofia Opera.

Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev pointed out that we need more faith.

"A big thank you and bow to everyone who created this wonderful piece of work," he said.

The newly elected Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel will be the guest at the first performance of "The Hermit of Rila". The conductor will be Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora.

The performances are dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the consecration of the St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral.