Biography

Press

“…Vania Vatralova-Stankov sang with the kind of determination that defies categorisation…”

Opera Magazine

“…Bulgarian soprano Vania Vatralova-Stankov was outstanding as the tragic heroine. Her mad scene at the end was searing in its intensity. With a voice of such quality and strength, major opera houses should rush to sign her up…”

Gloucestershire Echo

“…Vania Vatralova-Stankov is especially charismatic in the title role (Rusalka)…”

Western Mail

Described by critics as having 'a lyric voice, but one which has a richness and depth to it' the soprano is following in the tradition of the famous Bulgarian operatic voices with international recognition.

She has given recitals at Belcanto Dordrecht Festival (Holland), Peralada Festival (Barcelona), and at major International Festivals in Bulgaria such as Sofia Music Weeks, Varna Summer, and Sofia Winter. Vania has sung the mainstream oratorio and concert repertoire in Bulgaria, Spain and the UK, in venues such as Palau De La Musica (Valencia), Bulgarian National Hall, and the National Palace of Culture (NDK) amongst others. She has worked with orchestras such as English Chamber Orchestra, Sofia Philharmonic, Sofia Soloists Chamber Orchestra, Madrid Players, and Valencia Baroque Orchestra, under the baton of Alexander Kantorov, Alex Ingram, Georgio Leardini, and Yordan Kamdzhalov, to name a few.

On the opera stage Vania has performed with the Swansea City Opera in theatres in Wales such as Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury, Taliesen Arts Centre in Swansea, Theatre Brycheiniog (Brecon), and the Adelina Patti Theatre (Craig-Y-Nos). She also sang in Ana Bolena the title role, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Tower of London Festival. Vania has appeared in title roles as Violeta in La Traviata, Rusalka, and Ana Bolena, with the Welsh National Opera School, as well as Donna Ana (Don Giovanni), Fiordeligi (Cosi Fan Tutte), and Michaela (Carmen), with the Royal Opera School in Madrid.

Vania has taken Master Classes with Renata Scotto, Montserrat Caballe, and Mirella Freni. She was a finalist in the Premio Caruso Competition in Italy and the Logrono International Competition in Spain, where she was also awarded the competition's only scholarship. The Bulgarian soprano is a recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, including awards from the Spanish Ministry of Education, the Donizetti Award from the Welsh National Opera School for two consecutive years, and an award from the Belcanto Festival in Doodrecht (Holland).

Press

“…Soprano Vania Vatralova-Stankov and tenor Wyn Evans possessed great stage presence and personality. Vania's arias from Puccini and Bellini reflected human struggles. Her beautifully restrained performance of Norma's Casta Diva was particularly poignant…”

Gloucestershire Echo

“…Powerfull performance from Vania Vatralaova-Stankov (in the title role)…”

The Big Issue

Vania graduated in Bulgaria and Spain with the highest qualifications in both violin and singing, and completed her postgraduate opera course at the Royal Opera School in Madrid with Professor Ana Fernaud. At the age of twenty she was appointed assistant leader at the City of Elche Chamber Orchestra, playing as a soloist on numerous occasions. Later she decided to relinquish her position in the orchestra in order to fully pursue her singing career.

Equally interested in chamber music Vania formed "Stankov Ensemble" with her husband the violinist Ivo Stankov. Performing as soprano and violin duo, the ensemble specializes in exploring repertoire written specifically for this unusual combination from leading European and American composers of the 20th century. The duo has also recently performed with English Chamber Orchestra and Sofia Soloists, a number of world premieres dedicated especially to them by composers such as Dobrinka Tabakova, Martin Georgiev and Gwyn Pritchard. Stankov Ensemble recently participated to critical acclaim in a number of International Festivals in Bulgaria.

Vania has recorded for the major Bulgarian and Spanish Television and Radio Channels - BNR, RTVE, Antena 3, Canal 9, and TV3. As well as her numerous recordings for TV and Radio Vania recorded on CD the music to 'Misterio de Elche' (Mystery of Elche) - a spectacle declared by UNESCO as Patrimony of the Humanity Treasure. She also recently recorded her debut CD of "Operatic Favorites", with the Sofia Symphony Orchestra.