Bulgarian opera singer Raina Kabaivanska has received the Italian "Golden Eagle Award" (Aquila d'Oro). Bulgarian Minister of Culture Krastyu Krastev presented her with the statuette at a solemn ceremony held in the Italian Embassy.

This is the first time the international prize is being awarded outside Italy, Professor Fabrizio Politi, chair of the jury, said. The opera prima thanked for the award and pointed out that according to her the eagle is the bird of freedom.

Raina Kabaivanska, who was born in Burgas, is one of the most significant opera singers of our time. Her career includes all of the most important opera houses and concert halls on all continents, but she is particularly active in Italy, the award citation reads. The award is also given to her "for her outstanding professional successes on stages around the world, for her resolve to transmit the spirit of perfectionism in the careers of young artists, and for having chosen Italy as her second artistic homeland."