The famous opera “Birzhan-Sara,” directed by Yuri Alexandrov, premiered at the recently opened Astana Opera Theatre.
The opening coincides with the 100th anniversary of the birth of the opera composer, Mukan Tulebayev, and comes only shortly before the beginning of Day of the Capital celebrations.
President Nazarbayev congratulated attendees on the opening of the Astana Opera theatre, calling it “a priceless gift for the 15th anniversary of our capital.”
Artists who performed on the stage of Astana Opera Theatre amazed their first guests with their colourful costumes and emotional singing.
Director and People’s Artist of Russia Yuri Alexandrov has staged 14 performances in Kazakhstan, and Art Director and People’s Artist of Russia Vyacheslav Okunev has staged 20, including ballet.
They staged “Abylaikhan,” by Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev, at the Abay State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre together, a production for which they were awarded the Dostyk Order, Kazakhstan’s state award.
For this current production, Alexandrov studied Tulebayev’s notes and previous productions, and with the help of Kazakh conductor Abzal Mukhitdinov made some changes to the work, slashing and replacing parts in order to revitalise the classic opera and create a more gripping performance. Alexandrov also studied historical literature and worked with ethnographic museums to recreate the costumes of northern Kazakhstan in the 19th century.
The choreography is done by St. Petersburg choreographer Vladimir Romanovsky; main parts are sung by Honoured Artist of Kazakhstan and Tatarstan Nurzhamal Usenbayeva and Honoured Artist of Russia and Tatarstan Ahmed Agadi.
Birzhan-Sara premiered in 1946, directed by Kurmanbek Dzhandarbekov, with Anvarbek Umbetbaev and Kulyash Baisseitova singing the main parts.
The second performance came in 1976, directed by Baigali Dosymzhanov; the third in 2000, directed by national artist Azerbaizhan Mambetov.
