On 5 April, Astana Opera will present an all-star cast in its legendary production of Verdi’s La Traviata. Renowned soprano Maria Mudryak will perform the title role, starring alongside the brilliant Spanish tenor Joel Prieto, who makes his debut as her ardent lover, Alfredo Germont. Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Talgat Mussabayev portrays the noble Giorgio Germont, with the Italian Maestro Giuseppe Acquaviva conducting.
This evening will be a special one for Maria Mudryak, as this year marks the tenth anniversary of her first portrayal of Violetta Valéry, which took place at the Astana Opera. Speaking about the role, the singer admits that her character has undertaken a remarkable journey alongside her over the years.
“Naturally, my Violetta continues to evolve as I do. In the ten years since my debut in 2016, I have performed the role 73 times – not counting open dress rehearsals – in many of the world’s leading opera houses, across various continents and in a wide range of directorial interpretations,” Mudryak shares.
For the past two years, this role has been absent from her repertoire due to an unforeseen hiatus for health reasons. However, the singer finds profound creative meaning in the break. “Perhaps this pause gave me the opportunity to view the role through a new lens – to inhabit it today with a different life experience and a deeper understanding,” Mudryak explains.
Her return to the role could have happened even sooner under more symbolic circumstances, but fate intervened, testing the singer’s resolve. “I had dreamed of returning to the part with a wealth of new roles behind me, and I wanted to do so symbolically: on my birthday, in my home country. However, I recently had to ‘jump in’ at the last minute for a production in Bologna, performing three La Traviatas without any rehearsals. It was a true test of my endurance – the ice has been broken, as they say. Now, back in my native Kazakhstan, there is only joy and no more worries.”
The evening will be further heightened by the onstage reunion with Joel Prieto. For Kazakh audiences, the tenor’s name is synonymous with the highest level of artistry. His illustrious career includes performances at the Royal Opera House in London, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Opéra National de Paris, and the Salzburger Festspiele. Having worked with celebrated maestros such as Zubin Mehta, Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Daniele Gatti, he has long-established a reputation as one of the most sought-after lyric tenors of his generation. This performance marks the Spanish tenor’s highly anticipated Kazakhstan debut.
“I am very excited and happy to finally visit Kazakhstan and to sing here, especially alongside my dear friend Maria Mudryak. This will be my debut as Alfredo, a wonderful role that emotionally traces the vibrance and passion of young love, moving through jealousy and rage, and ultimately arriving at profound desperation and loss. Vocally, the role is romantic, ardent, and at times explosive. It is highly expressive and often sits in a challenging tessitura, requiring consistent control through the passaggio. I feel especially connected to the Act III scene when the heroes are reunited. There is an almost blind optimism in “Parigi, o cara,” followed so quickly by the realization that they don’t have enough time together. It breaks my heart and makes me reflect on how short life is, and how important it is to truly cherish our time with the people we love – because everything can change in an instant,” noted Joel Prieto.
Maria Mudryak also shared some warm memories of their previous collaboration. “Joel and I first worked together in a production of Die Lustige Witwe in Beijing. He is an incredibly professional and talented artist, as well as a wonderful stage partner,” the singer says. “During that production, we spent a great deal of time developing our characters and discussing the staging. It is so important to me when a colleague approaches the work and the drama with such seriousness and enthusiasm. That level of commitment is always palpable from the stage, as true creative engagement always resonates with the audience.”
When discussing her repertoire and the significance of Verdi within it, Mudryak is open about her admiration for the composer. “Giuseppe Verdi is my favourite operatic composer. He has the power to create an entire world from just a few notes. To me, Verdi is not merely a composer; he is a master dramatist. At this stage in my life, his style is the one I feel most connected to.”
When asked about the great predecessors who have sung the role, the singer emphasises that personal sincerity is what matters most to her. “I listen to many different interpretations, which provides the creative spark to develop something of my own. My Violetta is, above all, a personal immersion in the story – an attempt to tell it onstage in my own way, with my own voice and soul; honestly, sincerely, and true to my own nature.”
In fact, the performance takes on even greater significance given the date. For Maria Mudryak, it has become a long-standing tradition to celebrate her birthday on stage in Kazakhstan. “A birthday marks the transition to a new chapter in one’s life, and for me, it is vital to be on home soil at that moment, surrounded by my family and a public that is dear to my heart. It is a unique and special feeling. I want to share my joy with them and express my gratitude for life itself.”
Joining Maria Mudryak and Joel Prieto on stage this evening will be the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, alongside principal soloists and the ensemble. The renowned baritone Talgat Mussabayev, performing the role of Giorgio Germont, will further enrich this dramatically charged musical tapestry.
The performance will begin at 5pm.
