The Danube city of Rousse will mark the 100th anniversary since the birth of Austrian orchestra and opera conductor, Herbert von Karajan (1908 – 1989).

Often regarded as one of the most influential figures in classical music, von Karajan had a long-nurtured interest in Bulgaria, inspired by his friend Pancho Vladigerov. The latter was a prominent Bulgarian composer and conductor, whom von Karajan met in Germany in the middle of the last century.

For three days (August 1-3), classical music fans will see filmed versions of famous performances, all conducted by von Karajan. The programme features Verdi’s last opera Falstaff with the participation of Bulgarian opera singer Raina Kabaivanska. The spectators will also see works by Tchaikovski and Rachmaninov, performed by Bulgaria-born pianist Alexis Waisenberg, as well as Verdi’s Requiem Mass with the choir of the National Opera.

A documentary film by German director Ernst Wild will be shown to Bulgarian audiences for the first time.

The screenings will be staged at the city’s main square Svoboda (Freedom), free of charge.