Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)
Explorers have long been trying to prove that Bulgaria is the birthplace of Orpheus, a legendary singer whose magical voice enchanted beasts and humans alike. It's easy actually, all they need is to listen to the voices of his ancestry, voices that enchant, startle and move to tears, voices like that of Nicola Ghiuselev.
By Petya Sabinova
Born in the tiny Bulgarian town of Pavlikeni in the foot of the Balkan, Ghiuselev has the type of deep Slavic voice that sounds just as well on the stage of the biggest opera houses, as it does in the small village church. For more than forty years on stage, the Bulgarian has made a name for himself and his country, reaping many applauses from the stage of Milan's La Scala, Vienna and Berlin's Staatsopers, Covent Garden in London, Paris' Grand Opera and many others. But one place he always returns to is his own homeland and the opera house in Sofia, where he first appeared in the role of Timur in "Turandot" at the age of 25.
When he met his mentor Hristo Brambarov, Ghiuselev had just graduated from the National Arts Academy, with the idea of becoming an artist. A year under Brambarov's guidance, however and the brushes were quickly tucked away. "He ground the rock in my throat, tone after tone, phrase after phrase, so that I became the master of my voice before I could even realize it," Ghiuselev often says when talking about his teacher.
After his first appearance on stage, the talented violinist and painter finds his true calling and successes follow quickly. His magical voice has filled the halls of opera houses in South and North America, in Japan and Europe.
A true testament to Brambarov's mastery and Ghiuselev's own power over his voice lies in his amazing renditions of Phillip II of Spain in Verdi's Don Carlos - one of his own favorites. Each time stronger, each time more captivating, Phillip changes with Ghiuselev's every appearance on stage. Every time opera lovers see Ghiuselev as Phillp, there is something new. Seemingly the same old king, suddenly shines with a new gesture, a new density in the voice, a tragic tyrant who startles every time.
Using his impressive voice of rich timbre, expressive acting, and good looks Ghiuselev easily makes each of his characters a memorable and beautiful artistic figure. Many see in this his extraordinary painting talent that helps him place the visual components of each character in exactly the right spot, thus making it completely true to life.
The amazing vocal talent of Bulgaria's golden voice isn't just limited to the opera stages.
Every time the grand bass appears at Easter or Christmas concerts, Orthodox church anthems sound so powerful, spiritual and moving, that for a moment it seems heavens open so God himself can enjoy the performance. It is hardly any wonder that Ghiuselev's was one of the voices that Bulgaria chose for the concert heralding the country's entry in NATO.
45 years later, Ghuiselev continues to enchant with his voice but his other achievements are no less admirable. Living on the move between Bulgaria and Italy, he is now paying dues to his mentor Brambarov by teaching himself. Many young talents have shaped their voice and found the strength within thanks to Ghiuselev's teachings, as he continues to share his gift with the world.
Nicola Ghiuselev has taken many roles in his life, created by Verdi, Mozart or Rossini, but the most important one is probably the one he created for himself - that of a proud father and grandfather, of a teacher, of a gentle and erudite human being.
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