Astana Opera opens its 14th season on 4 and 5 September with the legendary opera Abai, marking the 120th anniversary of the birth of the great composers Akhmet Zhubanov and Latif Khamidi. Written to a libretto by Mukhtar Auezov, the work has long been the signature masterpiece of Kazakh opera, and the opera house proudly pays tribute to the illustrious creators of this national treasure.
At the conductor’s podium will be a maestro for whom this music is an integral part of family history: Akhmet Zhubanov’s great-grandson, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan and State Prize laureate Alan Buribayev. His edition of the score is distinguished by the removal of historical accretions, restoring the original intentions of the composers.
The production was brought to life by Kazakh creative team including consulting stage director, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Yesmukhan Obayev, and chief chorus master, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Dautov, among others, in collaboration with Italian masters led by stage director Giancarlo del Monaco, eminent set designer Ezio Frigerio, and Academy Award-winning costume designer Franca Squarciapino. A decade after its premiere, the staging continues to captivate audiences.
Following the grand opening of the 14th season, the opera house management will present a truly rich programme. The company’s touring plans are likewise a core focus. The renowned company is set to return to the international stage, with the artists preparing for a major tour of Italy. At the same time, the opera house remains dedicated to its audiences at home, having finalised a touring itinerary across cities of Kazakhstan to ensure residents of different regions can experience high art.
“The company returns full of energy after the summer break, and we are delighted to open our 14th season. We hope our audiences have also missed our productions during the summer hiatus. At present, we are simultaneously preparing several premieres: a new ballet, Charlie and Irene, choreographed by Kirill Radev to music by Alexey Kestner; national ballet Tomiris, choreographed by Sultanbek Gumar to music by Khamit Shangaliyev; and a musical production for children, Arman, directed by Yerenbak Toikenov to music by Alikhan Idrissov. We will also welcome the State Theatre of Nations on tour to our stage, with the Moscow-based company presenting Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya and Jean-Baptiste Molière’s Tartuffe. Furthermore, the Astana Opera Ballet will embark on a tour of Italy with Adolphe Adam’s Giselle and Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. We shall bring the latter production back to Kazakhstan in time for a festive run on our own stage on New Year’s Eve,” noted Alexandr Sovostyanov, chairman of the Management Board of Astana Opera.
