Opera diva Sonya Yoncheva receives Golden Century Award for outstanding contribution to culture

The ceremony took place on the stage of the Summer Theatre in Varna, where Sonya Yoncheva performed in the opera Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini. The conductor of the performance was Nayden Todorov, who, in his capacity as caretaker Minister of Culture, presented her with the award.

Nayden Todorov pointed out that we live in strange times in which we look for occasions to be different and to quarrel among ourselves.

"The reason is that something is missing inside us - the pride of who we are and what we are. However, there are people who remind us of that, they make us proud and happy with their presence," he said and thanked Sonia Yoncheva for being one of those who make us proud to be Bulgarians.