From 17 to 19 March 2025, the Astana Ballet Theatre performed in Pavlodar with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, DKnews.kz reports.
This event has become a vibrant cultural event in the region, uniting ballet, symphonic and opera art in a single harmony.
The capital theatre has developed an original program for the Pavlodar audience that combines diverse genres and styles, thereby creating an exceptional synergy of art. Each performance engrossed the audience in the ambience of authentic classics, unveiling not solely the aesthetic, but also the profound emotional depth of ballet prowess.
The renowned ballet performance, entitled “Carmen Suite” (by Bizet and Shchedrin), was staged at the Estay Palace of Culture on the 17th and 18th of March. This legendary production was first performed almost 60 years ago on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre, and then on the stage of the National Ballet of Cuba in Havana. The choreographic interpretation of Georges Bizet’s renowned opera “Carmen” was created especially for the illustrious Maya Plisetskaya.
The ballet was created on the basis of the eponymous novel by Prosper Mérimée. Cuban choreographer Alberto Alonso created the libretto and choreography, and the production was staged by Timofey Lavrenyuk. Rodion Shchedrin’s musical transcription, based on the opera by Georges Bizet, is executed with exceptional skill. The piece organically combines the virtuosity of composition with the subtle psychological nuances found in both Bizet’s music and Mérimée’s literary work.
The “Carmen Suite” is currently regarded as one of the most significant contributions to the realm of world ballet. The role of the passionate and freedom-loving Carmen is often considered by many accomplished ballerinas to represent the pinnacle of their professional careers. The artists of the Astana Ballet succeeded in conveying the drama, expression and depth of the work, thereby delighting the audience in Pavlodar and eliciting a prolonged ovation.
The second part of the programme featured the one-act ballet “Triumph”, to the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, which has been staged by the talented young choreographer Ainur Abilgazina.
This choreographic performance has become an exemplary manifestation of the art of classical ballet. The grandeur, elegance, and profound emotive force of the production enabled spectators to encounter all the solemnity and magnificence of this art form. The ballet “Triumph” became the culmination of the program, which left an indelible impression on ballet enthusiasts.
The final performance of the tour took place on 19 March, featuring a concert by Maria Mudryak, a renowned opera singer of Pavlodar origin, accompanied by the symphony orchestra of the Astana Ballet Theatre.
This evening, the audience was able to immerse themselves in the multifaceted world of opera. Maria Mudryak performed masterpieces of Italian opera, romantic works of Austrian operetta and passionate melodies of Spanish zarzuela.
“I am incredibly happy I got the chance to give a concert in my home city of Pavlodar where I was born and raised. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Astana Ballet Theatre for another opportunity to perform with their outstanding symphony orchestra” Maria Mudryak shared her impressions
The tour of the Astana Ballet Theatre in Pavlodar has become a significant event in the cultural life of the region. The gracefulness of ballet, the magic of music and the great art of opera came together to give the audience unforgettable emotions. This programme proved once again that classical art remains relevant, inspiring and delighting audiences with its beauty and perfection.
