The rising star of the new school of Bulgarian conductors Levon Manukyan will be conducting Tarja Turunen's big show at the Roman Theater in Plovdiv on September 21st.

The Finnish diva will perform her unique 'Beauty and the Beat' extravaganza, featuring star drummer Mike Terrana and the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir.

And here's Levon exclusively on radio Tangra Mega Rock.

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE ABOUT THE FORTHCOMING TARJA SHOW WITH MIKE TERRANA AND THE ORCHESTRA?
Maybe it's the combination of Tarja and Mike onstage.

ACTUALLY THEY'RE USED TO PLAYING TOGETHER, AS MIKE IS IN TARJA'S BAND ANYWAY. I GUESS THE BIGGER CHALLENGE IS HOW THE PLOVDIV PHILHARMONIC FITS IN WITH THE TWO OF THEM. DO YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT THAT AT ALL?
No. The Plovdiv Philharmonic is one of the best orchestras in Bulgaria and I think they get even more inspired with a great lightshow and a euphoric audience there. I've already experienced a metal audience and I know how great it felt for both me and the orchestra.

WHICH BAND, IN YOUR OPINION, WOULD BE NIGH ON IMPOSSIBLE TO DO A CLASSICAL TAKE ON?
I'm not sure there's such a band. You can always use your imagination to get stuff done. I mean, I never expected to be able to achieve a classical treatment of Marilyn Manson's music.

But we did it with an orchestra and replicated all the electronic effects by scraping the bow against the violins and stuff like that. I thought that was quite effective. I think all bands are prone to a classical makeover.

READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW