Gena Dimitrova International Singing Competition

The Gena Dimitrova International Singing Competition in Pleven is a platform for young opera singers named after the Bulgarian soprano. Organised by the Pleven Philharmonic and Pleven Municipality under the patronage of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Culture, it combines adjudicated vocal rounds with a laureates’ gala accompanied by the orchestra. The sixth edition, held on 19–22 May 2025, attracted applications from 55 singers representing twelve countries and was assessed by an international jury chaired by conductor Grigor Palikarov. Gena Dimitrova was born in 1941 in Beglezh, a village in the Pleven district, and the competition that carries her name is held in the district town. The Pleven Philharmonic co-organises it for young opera singers, and it now runs with international entry; the third edition, still billed as a national contest, was held on 19 May 2019. Dimitrova's own career ran from the Sofia Opera to La Scala.