Astana Opera Theatre embarks on its first tour in Dubai

Aigerim Akimzhanova, Correspondent:

In the present day, Dubai stands as the city of the future and is acclaimed as the world’s entertainment capital. Beyond various leisure spots such as parks, beaches, grand buildings, and iconic landmarks, the Dubai Opera Theatre takes the center stage in the city’s heart. Hosting world-renowned stars, it attracts tourists, who, as some of the most sophisticated spectators, eagerly line up to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of art.

This time, showcasing high art on the stage of the world’s unique futuristic theatre are the Astana Opera artists from Kazakhstan. It marks their debut performance there. The program commenced with Handel’s renowned oratorio ‘Messiah’, performed by the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra and the creative team of the Dubai Festival Chorus. Maestro Rob Johnston took the conductor’s baton for this unique concert.

 “Well, music is the language, it’s the language of its own. So, it doesn’t matter from where in the world you come from, having that one common language of music brings us all together. So, working with the orchestra from Kazakhstan, the chorus from Dubai and myself from the UK, it’s been a wonderful collaboration. And I hope to see more types of this collaboration, where choruses, orchestras, conductors from different parts of the world can come together to rejoice in music making of such wonderful quality,” Johnston said.

According to the Kazakh musicians, gracing the stage of Dubai Opera is both a significant responsibility and a joyous occasion for the entire troupe.

“It’s a fascinating project. We actually put this program together in two days, during two full-fledged rehearsals. For us, it’s primarily an opportunity to enhance our creative growth. We get to meet new people and experience different cultures, which is also very important for our overall enrichment. A large troupe has arrived here. We also brought the famous ballet ‘The Nutcracker’,” said Asset Neldybayev, Astana Opera’s Principal Bassoon.

The Astana Opera will present Tchaikovsky's renowned ballet ‘The Nutcracker’ to the Dubai audience on December 15, 16 and 17. On different days, the symphony orchestra will be conducted by Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Abzal Mukhitdin, and Italian maestro Giuseppe Acquaviva.