International prestige is credited to a number of Bulgarian music festivals, not the least of which is the Plovdiv Verdi Festival. It has become a favorite summertime tradition. The Verdi Festival is held annually at the ancient Philipoppolis Roman Amphitheater at the edge of historic Old Town PlovdivThe festival attracts wide audiences not only from within Bulgaria, but also from other countries. The Plovdiv State Opera, established in 1953, has created an appropriate artistic climate here in this ancient ampitheatre by the Maritsa and hosts renown guest producers, conductors and singers.Plovdiv Opera & Philharmonic Society - Andrey Andreev, Director General and Nayden Todorov, Music DirectorA list of concerts to the end of the Verdi Festival 2003:1. 25.June 2003 Verdi Festival: Aida Conductor: Plamen ParvanovWednesday, 9.00 p.m.Plovdiv Amphitheatre2. 28.June 2003 Verdi Festival: Rigoletto Conductor: Tadeusz WojciechowskiSaturday, 9.00 p.m.Plovdiv Amphitheatre3. 30.June 2003 Verdi Festival: Jazz concertMonday, 9.00 p.m.Plovdiv Amphitheatre4. 02.July 2003 Verdi Festival: Ernani Conductor: Vladimir KiradjievWednesday, 9.00 p.m.Plovdiv Amphitheatre5. 05. July 2003 Verdi Festival: Il Trovatore Conductor: Luciano di MartinoSaturday, 9.00 p.m.Plovdiv Amphitheatre6. 08. July 2003 Verdi Festival: Gala concert Conductor: Nayden TodorovTuesday, 9.00 p.m.Plovdiv Amphitheatre7. 15. July 2003 Summer Academy: Mozart ? Don Giovanni Conductor: Nayden Todorov