On 4 and 5 September, Astana Opera will launch its 14th season with Akhmet Zhubanov and Latif Khamidi’s Abai, set to a libretto by Mukhtar Auezov. Marking the 120th anniversary of both composers, the two-day run will feature major debuts by talented soloists from the opera company. Alan Buribayev, the great-grandson of Akhmet Zhubanov, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan and State Prize laureate, will conduct. 
Talgat Galeyev is preparing to perform the title role of Abai for the first time. The principal soloist noted that this portrayal will mark a significant milestone in his artistic career. 
“Performing the role of Abai is a dream for every operatic baritone in our country. The opera Abai represents the pinnacle of national musical art, and the character himself embodies wisdom, resilience, and profound philosophy. Incorporating this role into my repertoire marks a stage of artistic maturity. I am currently focusing all my accumulated experience, inner emotional depth, and vocal capability into this character. Delivering every aria and every word of Abai requires not only vocal mastery, but above all, the ability to convey genuine emotional conviction. I will do my utmost to help uncover the world of Abai and the philosophy of the Kazakh people,” Galeyev shared. 
Like all performers, tenor Artur Gabdiyev eagerly anticipates engaging with audiences in the new season. The soloist shared that during the summer recess, he performed at the Youth Palace in Kostanai, where he sang a medley of songs by Abai Qunanbaiuly. 
“Since an opera singer’s primary instrument is the voice, we cannot afford prolonged periods of rest. For instance, if I rest for five days, it requires an equal number of days to fully recover. Therefore, even during my holidays, I dedicated time to daily vocal exercises. The company is now actively preparing for the opening of the new season,” the singer said. 
Artur Gabdiyev also explained that opening the season with the opera Abai has become a fine tradition at Astana Opera. Having successfully performed the roles of Mes and Narymbet in this production for several years, the artist now has the opportunity to debut as Aidar, allowing him to interpret the opera from a fresh perspective. 
“Aidar is one of the most cherished tenor roles in Kazakh opera. While Romeo and Juliet symbolise true love in Western literature and art, the figures of Aidar and Azhar represent the pinnacle of romance in our cultural worldview. Furthermore, the opera portrays Aidar as one of Abai’s most beloved disciples. My hero closely resembles his mentor in his sincerity, constant pursuit of justice, and loyalty. On stage, I will do my utmost to capture the essence of my character as he fights for love, conveying his free spirit and youthful ardour. To study the role more deeply, I have been reviewing archival video recordings from the 1980s and 1990s, drawing inspiration from the professional performances of renowned opera singers. This helps me understand the inner nuances and emotional depth of Aidar’s personality. I am confident that our upcoming performance will provide the audience with rich spiritual fulfilment,” Gabdiyev reflected. 
Across the two performances, the roles will be interpreted by Astana Opera’s brilliant soloists. On the opening night of the season, the title role of Abai will be performed by Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Zhanat Shybykbayev, followed by the debut of Talgat Galeyev the subsequent evening. The role of Aidar will be shared by Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Zhan Tapin and Artur Gabdiyev, who makes his debut in the part. Notably, 4 September will mark the role debut of Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Bibigul Zhanuzak as his beloved, Azhar, with Nazym Sagintay portraying the character the following night. The cast also features Altynbek Abilda (Zhirenshe), Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Tatyana Vitsinskaya and Saltanat Muratbekova (Qarlyghash), Beimbet Tanarykov (Azim), Bolat Yessimkhanov and Shyngys Rassylkhan (Syrttan), Sultan Bakytzhan (Kokbai), Ramzat Balakishiyev (Narymbet), and Alikhan Zeinolla (Mes). 
Performances will begin at 7 pm on 4 September and at 5 pm on 5 September.