For “European Roads”, responsibility does not end with the projects it implements. It also includes supporting ideas that give more to society and create opportunities for Bulgaria to host events of international importance. It is with this attitude that the company stood behind “Gala in Sofia” 2026.
The event kicked off on August 23rd with French DJ and producer Charles B’s electronic project “Unlimited.” The evening offered a different take on classical music, translated into a contemporary electronic sound, and provided a dynamic start to this year’s program.
Then, three of the biggest names in world music met on stage. On August 25, Sonya Yoncheva and star tenor Jonas Kaufmann performed “Tosca” to more than 5,000 spectators. They were joined by Bulgarian baritone Plamen Dimitrov, and the performance featured the choir and orchestra of the Sofia Opera and Ballet under the baton of Maestro Grigor Palikarov, as well as the children’s choir “Smiling Stars”.
The finale on August 27 changed the musical direction again. Nearly 8,000 people became part of the first joint concert of Sonya Yoncheva and the virtuoso violinist David Garrett. “Blue Night” brought together in one program classical works and contemporary world hits – from Beethoven, Handel and Puccini to Queen, The Weeknd and Hozier. The two soloists were once again joined by the orchestra and choir of the Sofia Opera and Ballet under the baton of Maestro Leonardo Sini, as well as the musicians from David Garrett’s band.
Bulgarian music also received a special place in the final evening with the performances of “A Bulgarian Rose” and “My Lamb Lost Its Way”. The visual experience complemented the musical program and transformed the space around one of the symbols of the capital into a stage for a production of impressive scope.
For the company, the partnership with “Gala in Sofia” is part of the commitment to the development of cultural and public life. Support for valuable cultural projects creates opportunities for encounters with high-level art, but also contributes to the preservation and promotion of cultural traditions. The sustainable development of society is not measured only by modern infrastructure, but also by the environment we create for culture, education and shared experiences.
