Nikola Nikolov

Nikola Nikolov was born in Sofia in 1925. Since he was 17 years old, Nikola Nikolov began his vocal studies with Sibcho Sebev. In 1947, Nikolov made his debut at the Varna Opera as Pinkerton. There Nikolov sang his best roles: Alfredo, José, Turiddu, Cavaradossi, and Rodolfo. In 1955, Nikolov became the first tenor at the Sofia National Opera. From that time, Nikolov started touring. He sang in Italy: Padova – Rigoletto, Spoleto – Maccbeth, Vercelli – Tosca. In 1959, he made his debut at La Scala as Jeník in the "Bartered bride", the same year he sang successfully in Verdi's Requiem and in Aida, both at Covent Garden. In 1960, Nikolov made his debut at the Met in Carmen and at the Vienna Opera as Calaf. In 1963, Nikolov opened the season at the S. Carlo in Naples as Vasco, and Lisbon as José. Nikolov also toured Eastern Europe widely. He sang a lot in Russia. From witnesses, Nikolov sang up to the high D!!!

Nikola Nikolov, great Bulgarian Tenor (Trovatore in Sofia 1971 with Franco Pagliazzi). He sang until end of the 80s. But in 1995, he sang Carmen, and in 2000 Trovatore, singing Di quella pira twice in C major. He was born in Sofia on the 23rd of March 1925 and died on the 10th of July 2007. Alessandro Pagliazzi

I wish to thank Vladimir Efimenko for the biographical notes and recordings (Di quella pira, Nessun dorma).

I wish to thank Thomas Silverbörg for the recording (Mal reggendo).