“Performing national opera is always great responsibility, because you must worthily present one of the outstanding achievements of the musical art of Kazakhstan, and also correctly interpret the masterpiece created by composers A. Zhubanov and L. Khamidi. I have been working on the role of Karlygash for a long time. It is an important part, difficult from the acting point of view. My heroine has an incredible sense of humor, intelligence, sensitivity and tenderness. The first appearance of Karlygash onstage must create a joyful, positive mood. Kokbai and I are introducing new festive emotions into the performance, as Abai gives us the task of holding the Betashar ceremony and preparing for the wedding. I want to thank the Maestro Alan Buribayev for his trust and support. It was very comfortable for Yerzhan Saipov and me to work with our colleagues who already performed this opera more than once. They gave us valuable advice. It is very important for us that this debut took place within the framework of the tour to Almaty at the alma-mater – Abai Opera House, it is a great honor for us,” the Astana Opera soloist Malika Minisini said after the performance.

The operatic masterpiece is based on the libretto by the great writer Mukhtar Auezov. The narrative is based on dramatic events from the life of the great Kazakh poet, educator and philosopher Abai Kunanbayev (1845-1904).

“My wife and I are regular viewers of the Abai Opera House. We often listen to the Almaty company’s performance of this opera, but we will remember today’s performance for a long time. This production can be called the pinnacle of understanding of national classics. It is amazing that the opera retained the original author’s version. In the scene where the stunningly gorgeous library is revealed, there was an overall awe of the audience, the auditorium was incredibly surprised! We certainly appreciated the young vocalists; there was a strong cast of performers today. They confidently presented each of their respective parts, and were very well prepared,” Azamat and Dinara Salikovs noted.

Let us remind that the main parts were presented today by Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Zhanat Shybykbayev in the title role, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Nurlan Bekmukhambetov in the role of Aidar, Azhar – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Saltanat Akhmetova. Karlygash is an international competitions laureate Malika Minisini. Kokbai – Yerzhan Saipov, Syrttan – international competitions laureate Bolat Yessimkhanov and others.

Music Director and Conductor – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Alan Buribayev, Principal Choirmaster of the Astana Opera – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Dautov, Stage Director – Giancarlo Del Monaco (Italy).

The Almaty tour of the Astana Opera is taking place from February 10 to 18 within the framework of the program of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev “Rukhani Zhangyru” (Course towards the Future: Modernization of Kazakhstan’s Identity) on the international project Modern Kazakh Culture in the Global World and it is organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tsm/press/news/details/29225?lang=kk