Astana Opera is inviting children and their parents to enjoy a festive visit to the opera house during the first weeks of the New Year. To keep the seasonal spirit alive, the Grand Hall sees the return of the delightful ballet Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, choreographed by Gyula Harangozó to music by Tibor Kocsák. Meanwhile, at the Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall, Camille Saint-Saëns’ zoological fantasy Le Carnaval des Animaux and César Cui’s opera Puss in Boots will make the school holidays even more engaging.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, scheduled for 7, 10 and 11 January, remains a firm favourite in the capital’s repertoire. These performances will feature several exciting debuts by the company’s talented dancers. Alina Zyryanova, Aliya Amirkhan and Darya Mitrofanova will all perform Snow White for the first time. Aidan Kalzhan, Galymzhan Nurmukhamet and Ali Kusainov, who makes his debut in the role, will portray the Prince. Amina Kissembayeva and Limara Aidarova (also making her debut) will give their interpretations of the wicked Queen, while Olzhas Tarlanov, Zhaksylyk Saukymbekov and Aibar Toktar take on the role of the Huntsman. Sunggat Kydyrbay and Kuat Karibayev will present the Witch. Maestro Ruslan Baimurzin, recipient of the Order of Qurmet, will take the podium to conduct the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra.
Ballet dancer Alina Zyryanova, currently preparing for her title role debut, shared her New Year wishes for the people of Kazakhstan:
“The New Year begins with an exciting milestone – my debut in the long-awaited role of Snow White. To me, she is a symbol of purity and kindness, and I hope my performance as this bright and gentle character resonates with the audience. I am immensely grateful to the artistic director of our ballet company, Altynai Asylmuratova, for entrusting me with this role, and to my teacher, Gaukhar Ussina, for her guidance and for helping me find the right interpretation. My thanks also go to all the ballet coaches and dancers working on the production at Astana Opera.”
The January schedule also features other interesting and educational events for young theatregoers. The musical suite Le Carnaval des Animaux awaits children and their parents at the Chamber Hall on 4 January, ahead of the spectacular ballet performances. Here, the audience will hear the orchestral instruments bring the sounds of nature to life – from the flute’s birdsong to the deep tones of the double bass evoking a massive elephant, and the virtuoso piano conjuring up a picture of white antelopes running across a snowy field. Musicologist Saule Mauletova will provide a narrative about the animals and birds to spark the children’s musical imaginations.
On 6 January, the opera Puss in Boots offers a perfect holiday treat. Opera company soloists will bring Charles Perrault’s famous fairy tale to life, showing the young audience the value of resourcefulness and courage through the clever Cat, who helps his master, Marquis de Carabas, overcome various life challenges. The cast features Artur Gabdiyev as the Cat, Talgat Allabirinov as the Marquis (the miller’s youngest son), Yerzhan Saipov as the King, Shyngys Rassylkhan as the Ogre and Ulpan Aubakirova as the beautiful Princess, with Sultan Bakytzhan and Dias Omar as the Eldest and Middle Sons respectively. The Chamber Orchestra will be led by Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, Aidar Abzhakhanov, with the participation of the Astana Opera Children’s Choir.
Performance times: 4 and 6 January at 12:00 and 15:00; 7 and 10 January at 12:00 and 17:00; and 11 January at 17:00.
