As part of the Operaliya International Music Festival, the Astana Opera will present a gala programme marking the centenary of the legendary Kazakh baritone and People’s Artist of the USSR, Yermek Serkebayev. On 4 July, a spectacular tribute concert Uly Dalanyn Uly Dauysy will bring together celebrated Kazakh and international opera stars on the Grand Hall stage.
This season, the Operaliya International Music Festival places a special focus on the anniversaries of the founding figures of Kazakhstan’s national classical arts. The Astana Opera previously presented landmark events commemorating the 120th anniversaries of composers Akhmet Zhubanov and Latif Khamidi; the celebration of Yermek Serkebayev’s centenary now forms the continuation of this historical retrospective. The concert programme features operatic, chamber, and vocal masterpieces from the repertoire of the legendary singer, who became the symbol of an entire era. Works indissolubly linked in the minds of millions with the name of the ‘King of Baritones’ will be performed by the Astana Opera soloists, chorus, and symphony orchestra, alongside guest stars.
Paying tribute to the celebrated Kazakh singer is the People’s Artist of Uzbekistan, the renowned baritone Avaz Rajabov. A principal soloist at the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre, Rajabov has brought a vivid gallery of operatic roles to life on his home stage, alongside international touring and his academic role as a professor at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan. His artistry has garnered widespread international acclaim, earning him Grand Prix awards and laureate titles at prestigious vocal competitions in the USA, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan, among other countries.
“The name of Yermek Serkebayev continues to resonate throughout the international opera community,” Avaz Rajabov noted. “He is remembered as one of the finest and most brilliant baritones of the twentieth century. He possessed a rare synthesis of vocal and dramatic gifts: a breathtakingly beautiful timbre, flawless technique, and, above all, a generous artistic soul. Every role and aria interpreted by the maestro left an indelible impression on millions of listeners. He toured extensively across his homeland and abroad, and every concert and performance was met with immense acclaim. I am absolutely delighted to participate in the centenary of this great artist and to perform Robert’s Arioso from Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta – one of the most vibrant pieces from the maestro’s own repertoire.”
Making her debut on the stage of Astana Opera this evening is the internationally acclaimed soprano Venera Protasova. The singer completed her postgraduate studies under the world-renowned opera diva Albina Shagimuratova and went on to study at the Italian Opera Academy under the guidance of the legendary maestro Riccardo Muti, subsequently performing leading roles on the stages of Ravenna and Tokyo. Her artistic achievements have been recognised with the title of Honoured Artist of Tatarstan, the republic’s highest theatrical awards, and victories at prestigious global competitions, including First Prize at the international competition in Airola, Italy, and a laureate title at the legendary Glinka International Vocal Competition.
“It is a privilege and a thrill to receive an invitation to perform at this centenary concert in honour of the outstanding baritone Yermek Serkebayev,” Venera Protasova shared. “His was a voice of the richest natural quality, possessed of a beautiful, unforgettable timbre and effortless production across all registers. It never fails to captivate anyone with a true appreciation for the art of opera.”
Joining the distinguished guest soloists is the charismatic tenor Shohrukh Yunusov – the first opera singer in Tajikistan’s history to graduate with distinction from the Conservatorio di Milano “Giuseppe Verdi”. This exceptionally talented artist was awarded a presidential scholarship in his home country, won first prize at the famous Sanremo Junior competition in Italy, and secured the Grand Prix at the major Musikalischer Regenbogen Music Festival in Germany. The vocalist gained widespread international media attention during the pandemic, when he uplifted Milanese residents by singing demanding operatic arias from his balcony. Today, the bel canto specialist tours extensively worldwide, representing the art of opera at UNESCO events and performing on iconic European stages, including the Frankfurt Opera and Milan’s Teatro Dal Verme alongside artists from Teatro alla Scala.”
The Kazakh vocal school will be represented by the principal soloists of the Astana Opera, including Honoured Workers of Kazakhstan Saltanat Akhmetova, Talgat Mussabayev, Medet Chotabayev, and Rasul Zharmagambetov, alongside the Recipient of the Order of Qurmet Aizada Kaponova, Alikhan Zeinolla, and other prominent figures of the stage. The anniversary gala will be led by eminent conductors: People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Abzal Mukhitdin and the Italian maestro Giuseppe Acquaviva. The exceptional standard of the choral performance will be overseen by the opera house’s principal chorus master, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Dautov.
The evening will feature cherished vocal works from Yermek Serkebayev’s repertoire, including Abai’s aria from the eponymous opera by Akhmet Zhubanov and Latif Khamidi, and Aisulu’s aria from Sydyk Mukhamedzhanov’s opera of the same name, alongside the Kazakh folk songs “Surshaqyz”, “Yapurai”, and “Shapibai-au”. The programme also includes Mynzhassar Mangitayev’s “Qazaqstanym Menin” and Aleksandr Zatsepin’s “Nado Mnoi Nebo Sineye”. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience Figaro’s cavatina from Gioachino Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia, the definitive signature piece of the legendary baritone, alongside other masterpieces of the world classical heritage. A particular highlight of the concert will be the performance of Almas Serkebayev’s Paraphrase on the Theme of Figaro for string orchestra.
The concert will begin at 5 pm.
