ASTANA – Astana Opera ballet dancers received high praise from audience members and Italian dance officials after performing “Spartacus” Jan. 21 in Genoa in front of 2,500 spectators.
Astana Opera ballet dancers in Genoa
“Today, we have really enjoyed the splendor of the dance presented by the ballet troupe of the Astana Opera. It is an opportunity for us to learn about the current level of ballet in Kazakhstan. We were amazed by the technical and acting skills of the artists. After this evening, we can say that ‘Spartacus’ is still absolutely relevant today. We plan to visit the Gala Ballet on Jan. 23 because it is very interesting to see the Kazakh national ballet, as well as the great classical masterpieces performed by this young ballet troupe,” said one audience member.
Spartacus was played by Kazakh dancer Bakhtiyar Adamzhan. Tair Gatauov performed the role of Crassus. Madina Basbayeva portrayed Phrygia and Gaukhar Usina performed the part of Aegina.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Kazakh artists. This is a wonderful production and incredible ballet. I can say that the artists in the leading roles were excellent. We are very interested in collaborating with the Astana Opera House – not only with the ballet troupe, but the opera as well,” said Director of The Teatro Carlo Felice Maurizio Roi.
Astana Opera House prima ballerina Basbayeva shared her impressions after the performance: “We are happy. Thanks to the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, the support of the Italian side and inspired work of many people in our theatre! For the first time, Italy took over all the costs. I think that is an indicator of great interest.”
The Artistic Director of the Teatro Carlo Felice Maestro Giuseppe Aquaviva noted that the arrival of the ballet troupe is connected to the collaboration project between the two theatres. Thus, Aidar Abzhakhanov conducted the orchestra of the Genoa theatre and the choir performed under the baton of Maestro Pablo Assante. The fact that the Kazakh ballet troupe was performing in Genoa was an indicator of cultural partnership, he said.
Over the years, troupes of theatres such as the Ballet Nacional de España, American Ballet Theater, Academic Dance Ensemble of Beijing, Milan Ballet, Mark Morris Dance Group and Ballet Guangzhou have demonstrated their stellar skills on the stage of the Genoa theatre.
The tour schedule of the Astana Opera artists is dense. The management of the Teatro Carlo Felice was impressed by the performance of the Kazakh artists and as a result, negotiations for the next visit with “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker” have already started between Italy and Kazakhstan.
