ASTANA – In an effort to raise its profile at home and abroad, the Astana Opera Theatre management announced changes March 14 in its staff composition. The People’s Artist of Russia Altynai Assylmuratova was appointed as the ballet company’s artistic director, while Kazakh honoured art worker Alan Buribayev was named the theatre’s principal musician.
Theatre director Toleubek Alpiyev praised the newly-named members of the artistic team.
“We must create leading modern Kazakh culture, which is part of world culture. One of the elements of the achievement of the objective is repatriation of compatriots, workers of culture who are interested in the social-cultural development of the society. Today, we invite such famous persons who achieved success abroad – Altynai Assylmuratova and Alan Buribayev. The great creative and educational experience of Altynai Assylmuratova will be very useful for the theatre to improve the professionalism of the artists and the development of Kazakhstan ballet in general,” he said, as quoted by Kazinform.
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev met Jan. 27 with Minister of Culture Arystanbek Mukhamediuly and Assylmuratova to discuss the state and prospects to develop the cultural sphere and ballet art in particular. The head of state emphasised the importance of the role of the cultural sphere in the state, the significance of improving the conditions for its development and thehigh potential of Kazakh culture, which is becoming more and more popular in the nation and throughout the world. Assylmuratova thanked him for the reception, spoke about her plans for the future and expressed her readiness for cooperation.
Altynai Assylmuratova and Alan Buribayev
Alpiyev noted the importance of complimenting the choreographer with the conductor.
“Also, we invited one of the most talented and popular young conductors in the world, laureate of international contests and honoured art worker of Kazakhstan Alan Buribayev to the position of the principal musician of the Astana Opera Theatre. We hope that his work experience in the position of principal musician and art director of the national symphony orchestra of radio and television of Ireland and principal musician of the Brabant orchestra (the Netherlands) at one time and guest director of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia gives the opportunity to Astana Opera musicians to progress to the international stage and provides high-quality management,” he said.
Buribayev thanked Alpiyev for his kind words.
“I have only positive emotions. I have known the Astana Opera group for a long time and I know its opportunities and potential. I think that we will solve any creative problems,” he said.
Assylmuratova added that she is glad to work for the benefit of the Kazakh ballet and its development.
“I saw the ballet company of the Astana Opera at the Nutcracker winter premier, produced by legendary choreographer Yuriy Grigorovich, for the first time. The artists surprised me by their good work and shape. I am pleased to know that it is a young group with very many talented artists and their training is really worthy,” she said.
Assylmuratova and Buribayev began in their new posts March 16.
