ASTANA – Astana Opera Ballet Troupe is set to perform at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre Feb. 1-2, 2017. Kazakhstan’s artists will bring Maurice Jarre’s ballet “Notre-Dame de Paris” choreographed by Roland Petit, according to the theatre’s release.
Photo credit: astanaopera.kz
“We hope that the St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre audience will like ‘Notre-Dame de Paris’ ballet. The grateful public of the cultural capital of Russia is well versed in the art. I hope they will be enthusiastic about watching and appraising not only the creative work of the brilliant troupe of their native Mariinsky Theatre, but also talented ballet dancers from abroad. This performance can be a challenge for our troupe and we will try to perform with honour and dignity. We need to show a great performance of a young Astana theatre that is developing, striving to reach new levels of skills and working diligently to accomplish higher goals. I’m anticipating this event with a deep and thrilling sense of responsibility,” says Artistic Director of Astana Opera Ballet company and Rector of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, People’s Artist of Russia Altynai Assylmuratova.
Jarre’s “Notre-Dame de Paris” is characterised by a passionate and emotional dance style contrasting with costumes inspired by minimalist style by one of the most influential fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent and scenery imbued with the spirit of the Middle Ages by the outstanding set designer René Alliot. The 1965 version is still considered provocative and innovative. The grand premiere based on the novel by Victor Hugo was held at the Astana Opera June 24-25. Absolute accuracy, musicality, excellent technique, depth of feeling and true sincerity of young ballet dancers brought remarkable success to the ballet company. The role of the corps de ballet is no less important here than the parts of the main characters.
Quasimodo’s part will be performed by Grand Prix winner of numerous international competitions Bakhtiyar Adamzhan and Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Rustem Seitbekov. The part of Esmeralda will be danced by laureate of international competitions enchanting Aigerim Beketayeva and Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan brilliant Madina Basbayeva. Phoebus will be depicted by Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Zhandos Aubakirov and international competitions laureate Arman Urazov. International competitions winners Gaziz Ryskulov and Serik Nakyspekov will perform the part of Claude Frollo.
The first international tour of the Astana Opera also took place at the Mariinsky Theatre with a performance of Verdi’s “Atilla” in 2014. The Astana Opera troupe’s visit to St. Petersburg also included the “Birzhan and Sara” opera by Kazakh composer Mukan Tulebayev and a rich programme of ballet troupe. The Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra performance was initiated by Mariinsky Theatre artistic director Valery Gergiev Feb. 15 this year.
The theatre’s management expressed gratitude to maestro Gergiev who is also Principal Guest Conductor of the Astana Opera Theatre for the support of talented team.
