The renowned opera «Abai» was presented on
the new stage of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The work by Akhmet Zhubanov and
Latif Khamidi, with a libretto by Mukhtar Auezov, was masterfully performed in
front of a sophisticated audience by Astana Opera artists, including soloists,
choir members, ballet dancers, mime artists, and musicians of the symphony
orchestra. Written over 70 years ago, the work tells the story of love and the
struggle between good and evil. Most importantly, the production reflects the
rich diversity and profound worldview of the Kazakh people through the prism of
the great thinker Abai’s life.
«The specialty of the «Abai» opera is that
this is a completely different opera outside of the normal tour of Italian,
Russian and other operas. This is a very peculiar opera. So, this for me was a
surprise. I thought maybe in Kazakhstan they have a different kind of music,
but I noticed they have a music which is very together with the European and
Russian traditions,» noted Giancarlo del Monaco, the stage director of the «Abai»
opera.
Notably, the legendary opera «Abai» was
first performed in Moscow on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre in 1958 as part
of the decade of Kazakh art and literature. Now, more than half a century
later, the production once again captivated the metropolitan audience, drawing
a full house and garnering a standing ovation.
«I really liked the costumes, the charming
and unique music, and the excellent set design. I understand that it's a lot of
hard work to create a single performance and bring such decorations. I really enjoyed
it,» shared Moscow resident Olga Sobolevskaya.
