Sonya Yoncheva
Celebrated Bulgarian soprano
Sonya Yoncheva is a distinguished Bulgarian soprano celebrated for her powerful voice and passionate performances.
I never could have predicted where my career would take me, I just wanted to make my family proud.
Sonya Yoncheva
A star in the opera firmament
Sonya Yoncheva has enthralled audiences worldwide with her exceptional vocal talent and dramatic intensity.
A leading soprano on the international opera stage, she has performed in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera and Teatro alla Scala. Known for her versatility and expressive artistry, Yoncheva continues to push the boundaries of operatic performance, earning accolades and admiration from critics and audiences alike.
Developing a unique voice
Yoncheva graduated with performance degrees in piano and voice in her hometown of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and later studied at the Conservatoire de Musique de Genève, where she developed her unique vocal style.
In 2010, she took both first prize and the special CulturArte Prize at the world’s leading opera competition, Operalia. A breakthrough in her career came in 2014 when New York’s Metropolitan Opera asked her to step in at the last minute to perform the role of Mimì in Puccini’s La Bohème. The reviews were ecstatic and her place as one of the world’s most exciting opera stars was confirmed.
Her career since has flourished, with productions in the greatest concert halls and theatres worldwide.
From 2017 to 2018, Yoncheva received acclaim for roles in major operas: Elisabeth in Don Carlos at the Opéra national de Paris; Imogène in Il Pirata by Bellini at La Scala; Tosca by Puccini and Luisa Miller by Verdi, both at the Met. She also performed the title role in Médée by Cherubini, marking the 50th role in her repertoire.
More recently, in 2023, she performed two title roles, also at the Met: Fedora by Umberto Giordano and Norma by Bellini.
Her repertoire spans a wide range of roles, showcasing her technical skill and emotional depth. With each performance, Yoncheva continues to redefine the standards of operatic excellence, inspiring audiences with her commitment to her art.
Yoncheva became a Rolex Testimonee in 2011.
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