The opera Appaq, the Qypshaq Daughter will premiere at the Astana Opera on 21 and 22 May. This story of war, wisdom, and the power of love to forge a path to peace will be staged on Art and Cultural Workers’ Day. Dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence and supported by the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, the event promises to be one of the season’s most significant theatrical premieres.
The creators of the new opera – composers Serikzhan and Alibi Abdinurov, librettist Tleugazy Beissembek, stage director Mikhail Pandzhavidze, and music director of the production Abzal Mukhitdin – have taken a complex path. Rather than a literal adaptation of Gabit Musrepov’s famous drama Appaq, the Qypshaq Daughter, they have created a multilayered work in which several plot lines unfold simultaneously.
The first is almost a confession: the story of the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi and his muse, the captive Qypshaq beauty Appaq. Presented to him as a precious gift from the ruler of Derbent, she becomes his destiny. The second line is epic in scale: a cycle of war, intrigue, and betrayal, where brutality begets further brutality.
In this operatic interpretation, these plot lines do not simply run in parallel; they are intricately intertwined. Here, Appaq’s personal drama evolves into a national tragedy. It is her connection to the steppe, her ancestral memory, and her wisdom that ultimately provide the catalyst to end the cycle of enmity.
Those expecting a formal portrait of the characters in this new opera will be surprised. The creative team, led by stage director Mikhail Pandzhavidze, laureate of the State Prize of Tatarstan, has deliberately avoided stereotypical characterisations. Instead, Appaq emerges as a complex, multi-dimensional protagonist, capable of inspiring both admiration and empathy.
For the brothers Serikzhan and Alibi Abdinurov, both Honoured Workers of Kazakhstan, Appaq marks their first venture into large-scale opera. The upcoming premiere serves as their ultimate test. The production is under the musical direction of People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Abzal Mukhitdin, with the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Yerbolat Akhmedyarov, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, and assistant conductor Ruslan Baimurzin, recipient of the Order of Qurmet. The chorus, overseen by principal chorus master Yerzhan Dautov, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, alongside chorus masters Dauren Mussin and Yerzhan Sansyzbayev, promises a vivid performance, while choreographer Aibar Toktar will bring a distinct physical expressiveness to the production.
Special attention has been given to the visual design. Set and costume designers Sofya Tasmagambetova and Pavel Dragunov, both Honoured Workers of Kazakhstan, have created a world where the aesthetics are an integral part of the narrative. Under the guidance of technical director Victor Carare, the production is designed to breathe as one, ensuring every element move in perfect synchronisation.
With only a month until the premiere, work is in full swing backstage, from costume fittings to orchestral and technical rehearsals. The opera house’s famous soloists are busy preparing their roles. The title role of Appaq will be shared by Bibigul Zhanuzak (Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan), Nazym Sagintai, and Ulpan Aubakirova. Nizami will be portrayed by Zhan Tapin (Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan), Ramzat Balakishiyev, Talgat Allabirinov, and Sayan Issin. The role of Dangaz features Talgat Galeyev, Rassul Zharmagambetov, and Dinmukhamed Koshkinbayev, while Dārā Muẓaffar ad-Dīn will be performed by Sargis Bazhbeuk-Melikyan and Yevgeniy Chainikov (Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan). Mehriban will be brought to life by Tatyana Vitsinskaya (Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan), Saltanat Muratbekova, and Gulzhanat Sapakova, with Talgat Mussabayev and Zhanat Shybykbayev (both Honoured Workers of Kazakhstan) preparing the role of Sharaf. And this is by no means the full cast. The production is vast in scale, spanning nine scenes, and stands as one of the most demanding in the opera house’s repertoire. Yet, the technical complexity will remain invisible to the audience, who will be swept up in the gripping drama unfolding on stage.
The performances begin at 7 pm.
