Rebirth – Sonya Yoncheva

Sonya Yoncheva, accompanied by conductor Leonardo García Alarcón and his ensemble Cappella Mediterranea, delivers a soul-stirring masterpiece in her album “Rebirth.” This album, which was conceived during the spring lockdown of 2020, is a manifestation of hope and creative renewal, exploring the profound connection between silence and artistic rebirth. Spanning over five centuries of music, from folksongs to pop and even seventeenth-century opera, Yoncheva’s fourth solo album for Sony Classical is a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke emotions that transcend time.

The album commences with compositions that hail from the dawn of opera, featuring enchanting pieces by Monteverdi, Cavalli, Strozzi, and Stradella. Yoncheva believes that despite the passage of half a millennium, the emotional depth and simplicity found in certain musical styles remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago. This belief resonates through every note she sings.

The thematic journey extends to England, exploring the works of Dowland, Gibbons, and Ferrabosco. An intriguing connection is revealed between Ferrabosco’s motet “Hear me, O God” and ABBA’s “Like an Angel Passing Through My Room,” both sharing a common four-note theme. This blending of eras and genres serves as a reminder that music’s essence is truly timeless.

The album’s exploration continues through dance-inspired compositions from Spain and Latin America, including Alarcón’s thoughtful reconstruction of an aria by Antonio Draghi. Yoncheva then embraces her Bulgarian heritage with a traditional folksong, “Zableyalo mi agance,” which she delivers with an unforgettable emotional intensity. The media’s enthusiastic praise following her performance of the album repertoire at the Salzburg Festival underscores the emotional impact of her music, with critics lauding her ability to move audiences to tears.

Sonya Yoncheva’s passion for this project is palpable. She considers the album an ode to the eternal quality of music, a celebration of boundless freedom that it offers. It’s a call for renewal in a world that craves it desperately. The recording process, undertaken during the first European lockdown, adds an additional layer of depth to the album, as the acoustic environment of La Chaux-de-Fonds’ concert hall is compared to “playing inside a vast lute.” This unique ambiance further enhances the album’s immersive quality.

Having been named artist of the year by Opera magazine readers in 2019 and a sought-after guest artist in prominent opera houses worldwide, Sonya Yoncheva brings her remarkable talent to the forefront in “Rebirth.” Her vocal prowess, combined with the thoughtful curation of timeless compositions, results in an album that resonates deeply and evokes a sense of renewal and optimism.

“Rebirth” is not merely an album; it’s a transformative experience that invites listeners to immerse themselves in centuries of musical artistry and find solace in the enduring power of music. Sonya Yoncheva’s artistry and vision shine through in every track, offering a profound reminder of the beauty that can arise from periods of stillness and silence.