The performance of the national opera Abai by Akhmet Zhubanov and Latyf Khamidi at Astana Opera on May 27 and 28 will open a series of commemorative events dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the great classical author Mukhtar Auezov, who wrote the opera’s libretto, Delovoy Kazakhstan reports.
The genius of Mukhtar Auezov is multifaceted. Along with fiction, the most outstanding of which is the epic novel The Path of Abai, Auezov contributed greatly to the development of national dramaturgy: he wrote more than 20 plays of different types.
Along with high praise for the personality of Abai, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his article “Abai and Kazakhstan in 21st Century” noted the importance of the novel: “We all know well that each Kazakh has a dombyra in a place of honour. I believe that in every family there should also be a book by Abai and a novel by Mukhtar Auezov The Path of Abai”.
The writer and playwright, who wrote the libretto to the timeless opera Abai, immortalised the name of the Kazakh philosopher and poet in classical music as well. The opera premiered on December 24, 1944, at the Abai State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.
At Astana Opera, Abai was presented in consonance with a contemporary understanding of Independent Kazakhstan’s history. It was first performed on September 25, 2015. Since then, the work has been performed many times far beyond the borders of our country, including its premiere in the birthplace of opera, Italy, in Abai’s native language.
An international creative team worked on the production: music director and conductor, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, laureate of the State Prize of Kazakhstan Alan Buribayev, stage director Giancarlo del Monaco, consulting director, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Yesmukhan Obayev and principal chorus master, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Dautov. The best contemporary designers were invited to create sets, costumes, projections and lighting: Ezio Frigerio, Franca Squarciapino, Sergio Metalli, Vinicio Cheli. Thanks to the well-coordinated work of the professional team, the opera house received the highest award for this production – the State Prize of Kazakhstan.
In January 2018, Abai by Zhubanov and Khamidi was presented at the Abai State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. The composer’s daughter, Academician and Doctor of Biological Sciences Azhar Zhubanova, who was present at the performance, emphasized: “I follow all the premiere performances of this opera and I have to say that this particular production corresponds to the original idea of the composers and the librettist”.
Asanali Ashimov and Alibek Dnishev praised the opera Abai. “I was very impressed by the new reading of the opera, the magnificent sets and costumes. The finale of Abai makes me proud of my country, its history, its literature and its people,” noted the renowned Kazakh opera singer Alibek Dnishev.
On May 27 and 28, principal soloists of the opera house will take the Astana Opera stage. The title role of Abai will be performed by the Honoured Workers of Kazakhstan Zhanat Shybykbayev and Azamat Zheltyrguzov, Aidar by the Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Meir Bainesh, Azhar by Nazym Sagintay (role debut) and Holder of the Order of Kurmet Aizada Kaponova, Azim by Ramzat Balakishiyev and Beimbet Tanarykov, Zhirenshe by Talgat Galeyev, Karlygash by Saltanat Muratbekova, Kokbai by Yerzhan Saipov, Syrttan by Bolat Yessimkhanov and Shyngys Rassylkhan, Narymbet by Yerulan Kamel, Mes by Khaidar Mustapin and Nurlybek Kosparmakov. The Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will perform under the baton of the opera house’s principal conductor, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, laureate of the State Prize of Kazakhstan Alan Buribayev and conductor, winner of international competitions Ruslan Baimurzin.
Abai combined magnificent musical material, impeccable choreography, rich traditions of the Kazakh people, wonderful staging and excellent performances by Kazakhstani artists. This production has long been Astana Opera’s hallmark.
