The name of this famous set designer is known all over the world. Ezio Frigerio’s contribution to art is invaluable. His works in the field of musical theatre were a breakthrough in the development of modern scenic design. Frigerio’s productions of G. Verdi’s operas Simon Boccanegra (1971) and Falstaff (1980), R. Wagner’s Lohengrin (1981), W.A. Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro (1973) and others, realized in collaboration with stage director Giorgio Strehler, received world recognition and became the twentieth century classics.

He has created set designs for many famous opera and ballet productions at the Astana Opera. Together with his wife, an Academy Award-winning costume designer Franca Squarciapino, they have made a significant contribution to the development of the Kazakhstani musical theatre. On their account, there are exclusive productions in the capital’s opera house: Abai by A. Zhubanov and L. Khamidi, G. Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, G. Bizet’s Carmen, S. Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, P. Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beautyand The Swan Lake, B. Asafiev’s The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, L. Minkus’ La Bayadère and Don Quixote.

“The productions that you have created for the Astana Opera became hallmarks of our Kazakhstani art. Undoubtedly, they are a part of the world treasury of opera and ballet masterpieces. We hope for further fruitful collaboration and wish you long life and good health,” said the Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arystanbek Mukhamediuly.

In turn, Ezio Frigerio warmly thanked the country’s Government, the Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arystanbek Mukhamediuly, the management of the Astana Opera for the high award, noting that it is an honor for him to be the first Italian to receive the Order of Dostyk. The set designer especially emphasized the importance of the support of the culture of Kazakhstan provided by the Head of State Nursultan Nazarbayev. The set designer noted that the cultural bridges between Kazakhstan and Italy have become much stronger in recent years.

Let us remind that by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ezio Frigerio was awarded the Order of Dostyk of the II degree for his significant contribution to the cultural development of the country, strengthening of friendship and cooperation between peoples. The Order of Friendship (Order of Dostyk) is a state award of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is awarded to individuals for the promotion of international and civil consensus in society and the promotion of peace.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tsm/press/news/details/27770?lang=kk