A captivating performance is set to unfold on 16 January as Astana Opera soloists present Gioachino Rossini’s comedic masterpiece La Scala di Seta at the Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall. Taking centre stage in the principal role of Giulia is guest soloist Aziza Omarova, an international competition laureate and the very first alumna of the Astana Opera Children’s Studio. For this performance, the opera house’s chamber orchestra will be led by People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, Abzal Mukhitdin.
The story of the spirited Giulia – who secretly marries her beloved Dorvil and arranges their clandestine meetings via a silken ladder – has long resonated with audiences. This performance marks the first time the resourceful heroine will be portrayed by guest soloist Aziza Omarova.
The Astana Opera stage is familiar territory for the talented soprano, who began her journey as a student in the opera house’s children’s studio chorus. During her formative years there, she participated in landmark productions such as Tosca, La Bohème and Turandot.
“Following my graduation in vocal performance from music school, my mother enrolled me in the Astana Opera Children’s Studio Chorus, which provided my first glimpse into the professional world of opera. Under the guidance of my teacher, Altynganym Akhmetova, I performed in numerous productions, but hearing the prima donna Zhupar Gabdullina perform Turandot’s aria ‘In questa reggia’ while standing on the same stage was a pivotal moment for me. Puccini’s beautiful score moved me to tears; the scale of the orchestra and the production’s harmony awakened my deep love for the art form of opera. The studio chorus taught us how to listen to our fellow performers, navigate the rigours of rehearsals, collaborate with famous soloists, understand the conductor, follow the stage director’s guidelines, support each other, all while becoming part of an enduring artistic legacy,” shared Aziza Omarova. “Thanks to the studio, I was introduced to the work of great composers and made new friends, with whom I am still in touch today. I am grateful to every teacher I encountered on my journey. I was fortunate to study under real masters – they believed in me and still have high hopes for my future. They became my mentors and teachers not only in the world of music, but in life as well.”
Aziza Omarova trained at the Conservatorio Guido Cantelli in Novara, Italy. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the Conservatorio di Musica ‘Giuseppe Verdi’. The Kazakh soprano has already garnered acclaim on prestigious international stages, having performed the role of Despina in Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte at the Teatro Rossini in Civitanova Marche, portraying Adelma in Bazzini’s Turanda at the Teatro Sociale di Como and other significant roles. Discussing her upcoming debut, she noted that the role of Giulia is vocally comfortable for her, because it is rich in the colours and melodies characteristic of the bel canto style.
“The coloraturas are stylistically unique and occasionally unconventional, making the part multifaceted from both a dramatic and technical perspective. Written by the young Rossini, the opera is considered one of the finest comedic farces of his early period, with the narrative revolving entirely around my heroine Giulia. Smart and resourceful, she boldly takes charge of all that comes her way. For me, the performance represents a double milestone: my debut in a leading Rossini role and my first appearance as a guest soloist on the Astana Opera Chamber Hall stage, a task I approach with great excitement and a tremendous sense of responsibility,” concluded the guest soloist.
She will be joined by a vibrant cast of Astana Opera’s soloists, including Artur Gabdiyev as Dorvil, Rassul Zharmagambetov as Germano, Yerzhan Saipov as Blansac, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Tatyana Vitsinskaya as Lucilla and Talgat Allabirinov as Dormont. This production reinforces Astana Opera’s ongoing commitment to supporting young artists in their professional development.
Part of the popular Piccolo Theatre project, La Scala di Seta has been a staple of the capital’s repertoire since 2019 and has also been successfully performed on tour across Kazakhstan and abroad.
The performance is scheduled to begin at 19:30.
