Rakhimov Abylai Nurlanovich is a connoisseur of fine arts and music, a flutist, a master of applied arts, an avid theatergoer, and a true appreciator of art. A good friend of theaters and an ambassador of the Cultural Heritage Foundation.
Puccini's Memory at Almaty’s Abai KazNTOB
The 100th anniversary of the death of the great Italian composer Giacomo Puccini was also celebrated at Almaty’s Abai Opera and Ballet Theater. The theater once again enjoyed a full house. The concert took place on January 25, 2025, in the grand hall. On such a beautiful date, beautiful events always unfold.
Giacomo Puccini is called the last great opera composer. He was a prominent representative of musical verismo. Puccini dedicated his entire life to art. From an early age, he was devoted to music. At 10, he sang in church and played the organ. As a teenager, he and his friends walked 40 kilometers to attend a theater performance of Verdi's Aida.
The evening was accompanied by the image of Puccini, played by Islam Khamzaev. Between and during the arias, the life and works of the genius were portrayed. The excellent directorial organization is the merit of Natalia Kagadiy.
Puccini faced poverty for some time, even to the point of having no food. During this hardship, he wrote his famous opera La Bohème, a testament to his spiritual wealth, faith, and hope.
The concert began with La Bohème. Diva Zarina Altynbayeva performed as Mimi, with guest artist Zhan Tapin in the role of Rodolfo.
Zarina gave an outstanding debut performance, which she is set to repeat on February 15.
The concert was also special for one unique reason: it brought together multiple generations of Kazakhstan’s opera talents.
For instance, the role of Madame Butterfly was performed by the newly titled but long-time People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, Jamila Baspakova, a legend of our theater and Kazakhstani art. Jamila Tolegenovna pours her heart and soul into every role, evident in her performances. She performed the aria Un bel di vedremo, about hope and unyielding expectation. Later, she was accompanied in a duet by the magnificent tenor Baluan Berkenov.
An orchestral prelude to the third act of Madame Butterfly also resonated in the hall, making sakura bloom on our stage.
The titular opera Turandot, one of the most popular in the world, was also unveiled on January 25 with its most challenging arias and characters.
In the role of Liu was rising star Nargiz Satmukhambetova. She delivered a breathtaking performance of the complex aria Signore, ascolta. Nargiz already shines in roles such as the Queen of the Night and Kyz Zhibek.
Magnificent excerpts featuring Chinese motifs were performed by the incomparable choir of the Abai KazNTOB, led by chief choirmaster Aliya Temirbekova. Bravo to the ensemble for their dedication!
A concert dedicated to Puccini would not be complete without his incredible masterpiece, Tosca.
In the role of Tosca was the powerful vocalist Evgeniya Smolyanina. She performed the aria Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore, meaning “I live for art, I live for love.”
The moving and popular aria of Cavaradossi was performed by MEZZO group soloist Zhasulan Sydykov. For Zhasulan, this marked a dazzling debut on our stage!
A new young star, Ayazhan Kuanyshalieva, is also shining in our theater.
Ayazhan performed the heartfelt and famous aria O mio babbino caro.
The concert concluded with one of the most iconic arias, Nessun dorma. The aria stunned the audience, thanks to Baluan Berkenov and, of course, the composer. Following thunderous applause, the aria was performed as an encore by all the concert's tenors: Baluan Berkenov, Zhan Tapin, Zhasulan Sydykov, and guest performer Erulan Kemel as Calaf.
The most demanding and extraordinary work was carried out by the unrivaled orchestra of the Abai KazNTOB under the baton of the theater's chief conductor, the brilliant Nurzhan Baybusinov.
On this significant occasion – the centenary of Giacomo Puccini's death – a true miracle occurred.
Bravo to all the concert participants and, undoubtedly, the audience for their love and dedication to art.
Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore!
Sincerely,
Connoisseur and CLF Ambassador, Ablai Rakhimov
