A true firestorm of emotions is set to ignite at Astana Opera on November 23rd. The opera house is preparing to present one of the most dramatic yet musically stunning masterpieces of world classical repertoire – Giacomo Puccini’s opera Tosca.
The visual design is executed in an interesting format: large LED screens will transport the audience to the beginning of the 19th century, into the historical vortex when the Napoleonic army invaded Italy. Costumes that evoke the spirit of the bygone era will complement the visual scale. Conducting the performance is Maestro Giuseppe Acquaviva, one of the few conductors considered true Puccini specialists, a connoisseur of the score and its subtle nuances.
The opera house’s stage director Yerenbak Toikenov focused on the very reason this opera has endured for centuries: human passions. The love story between the painter Mario Cavaradossi and the singer Floria Tosca becomes the central axis of the production – a pure yet doomed love caught in a cycle of violence, torture, and execution. “This is a classical production. However, the plot, written in the early 20th century, sounds like a modern thriller scenario today: persecution, intrigue, betrayal, death – but all in operatic form,” says Yerenbak Toikenov.
The opera house’s prima donna, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Zhupar Gabdullina, will perform the title role.
“Tosca is one of my favourite parts. It is enormous in scale and demands the utmost emotional intensity. Over the course of one performance, the heroine undergoes a journey that includes love, despair, hope, and, ultimately, death. This is a role into which it is impossible not to pour your soul,” the singer confessed.
For the capital’s audience, Zhupar Gabdullina’s performances are always a highly anticipated event. We last heard her powerful dramatic soprano as Turandot in July. Every appearance she makes onstage is a true celebration, offering the viewers a chance to enjoy the art of a prima donna of the highest calibre.
She will be partnered with Medet Chotabayev, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, who has performed Cavaradossi many times on his home opera house stage, and just a few months ago portrayed this character at Mariinsky Theatre’s Primorsky Stage. “The arias ‘Recondita armonia’ and ‘E lucevan le stelle’ are true gems of the world repertoire. Performing them is both an honour and a challenge,” noted Medet Chotabayev. Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Zhanat Shybykbayev will take on the role of Scarpia.
The opera house’s other remarkable artists will also perform alongside the main characters: the Sacristan – Sargis Bazhbeuk-Melikyan (debut), Angelotti – Bolat Yessimkhanov, Spoletta – Beimbet Tanarykov, Sciarrone – Sultan Bakytzhan (debut), the Jailer – Algys Sultangazy (debut), and Togzhan Yermagambet will debut as the Shepherd Boy.
The performance begins at 6:00 PM.
