The State Opera Stara Zagora is the oldest provincial opera company in Bulgaria, founded in 1928 when the city still called itself Eski Zagra. It stages a full programme of operas and ballets from September through June in a dedicated theatre in the city centre, and tickets are remarkably affordable by any European standard.
Bulgaria has a long operatic tradition — the country has produced a disproportionate number of acclaimed international voices — and the Stara Zagora Opera upholds it. The building itself is a modest mid-century structure without great architectural distinction, but the performances have real quality. If the schedule aligns with your visit, it is worth an evening; the combination of strong singing and low ticket prices makes it one of the better cultural bargains in the Balkans.