The celebrated opera La Bohème by the outstanding Italian composer Giacomo Puccini was presented to the listeners at Astana Opera on July 1 and 2 under the baton of the opera house’s art manager maestro Giuseppe Acquaviva. On July 1, Kazakhstani opera singer, tenor Artur Gabdiyev, took the capital’s stage for the first time as the poet Rodolfo. On these days there was a debut of another tenor, Ruslan Sovet, as Parpignol, a toy vendor. Baritone Azat Malik made his debut as the painter Marcello on July 2.
Both performing days were truly full of debuts. Those who have already taken the stage in this production more than once also presented their interpretations of the character portrayals. Thus, on July 2, Sayan Issin performed Rodolfo, and on July 1, the Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Talgat Mussabayev performed Marcello.
The Honoured Artist of Kazakhstan Zhannat Baktai, who took the stage in the new production for the first time, and Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Aigul Niyazova cut a brilliant figure as the seamstress Mimì. Madina Islamova and Yelena Ganzha performed the singer Musetta. Colline – Bolat Yeasimkhanov, Shyngys Rassylkhan, Shaunard – Yerzhan Saipov, Alcindoro – Dinmukhamed Koshkinbayev, Benoît – Talgat Galeyev, Zhandarbek Yerkinbayev, Customs Sergeant – Nurlybek Kosparmakov, Samat Zharylkassynov.
An Italian opera about the life of poor young intellectuals in a small garret in the Latin Quarter of Paris has become one of the most performed operas in the world. The action takes place on Christmas Eve. Despite the acute poverty, sincere love and friendship, fun and joy are present in the heroes’ lives, and art also plays a significant role in their fate. The plot also touches on the themes of separation and fidelity, serious illness and tragic death.
The capital’s audience highly appreciated the original, spectacular production of the opera La Bohème, staged by the director Andrea Bernard. Viewers were delighted by the large-scale scenery by set designer Ezio Frigerio, the bright, colourful costumes by the Acadely Award winner Franca Squarciapino, the striking video projections by Sergio Metalli, and the lighting by Vincenzo Raponi. Principal choirmaster is the Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Dautov, assistant directors are Yerenbak Toikenov, Tekla Gucci, choirmasters of the children’s studio are Altynganym Akhmetova, Aigerim Makibayeva, responsible accompanists are Zhanyl Rakhimbekova, Zaru Zhazykbayeva. The opera company director is the Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Professor Azamat Zheltyrguzov.
In addition, an important event these days was the opening of an exhibition of works by painters and sculptors, dedicated to the Day of the Capital, which took place in the opera house’s main foyer. The exposition started on July 1 and will end on July 6. Paintings by Adilbek Shaikamalov and Naira Tumanyan, sculptures by Olzhas Bekenov, as well as colourful costumes from Astana Opera’s striking productions captured the audience’s attention.