Astana Opera to present heroic opera 'Alpamys' on Independence Day
On December 16, the Independence Day of Kazakhstan, the national opera Alpamys by Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev to the libretto by Kauken Kenzhetayev will be presented at Astana Opera’s Grand Hall. A number of important debuts of soloists in the main roles will take place on December 16 and 17. In anticipation of the holiday, the artists spoke about the preparations for the performance, Kazinform News Agency reports.
As a reminder, the premiere of Alpamys opera took place at Astana Opera two years ago. The libretto is based on the ancient poem Alpamys Batyr, which occupies a special place in Kazakh folk literature. The plot of the opera, built around the epic hero, the batyr, praises love, the fight for happiness, freedom and native land. It should be noted that the production of this heroic opera in the capital’s opera house was masterfully carried out by the stage director, People’s Artist of Russia, laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yuri Alexandrov, the press service of Astana Opera informed.
Astana Opera soloist Altynbek Abilda said that performing the title role of Alpamys for the first time on Kazakhstan’s Independence Day is a double joy.
Alpamys is a hero not only of the Kazakhs, but also of all Turkic-speaking peoples. In Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev’s opera, the image of Alpamys is shown very impressively. Mother Earth gave him strength and power, and he became invulnerable and invincible before the enemy. Alpamys is a child of the nation, and he gives hope for the best. This is a very difficult part vocally, and performing the role requires serious preparation and great responsibility. You can find out what Alpamys was like from the poem Alpamys Batyr and other sources. Of course, for every opera singer to perform the role of such a historical figure is a great joy, and I consider it a real blessing to have this honor. Independence was the dream of our ancestors, which our Kazakh people realized, so I want to congratulate all Kazakhstanis on this important holiday! Let our blue flag fly forever! Altynbek Abilda says.
Let us note that on December 16 and 17, the soloists of the capital’s opera house Talgat Galeyev and Altynbek Abilda will portray Alpamys, and Nazym Sagintai (debut) and Honored Artist of Kazakhstan Zhannat Baktay will perform Gulbarshin. Mother Earth – Saltanat Muratbekova, Tatyana Vitsinskaya, Taishyq Khan – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Zhanat Shybykbayev, Shyngys Rassylkhan, Qaragoz – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Saltanat Akhmetova, Assem Sembina, Zhyrau – Khaidar Mustapin, Mystan – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Bibigul Zhanuzak, Gulzhanat Sapakova, Keiquat – Alikhan Zeinolla, Qaraman – Yerulan Kamel, Beimbet Tanarykov, Ultan – Talgat Allabirinov (debut), Ramzat Balakishiyev, Tazsha – Ayan Zhaimaganbetov, Beibit Bayanbaev.
On the first day of the performance, the opera house’s talented soloist Nazym Sagintai will perform the role of Alpamys’ bride. The singer noted that she previously performed the roles of Qyz Zhibek, Mamyr, Azhar in Kazakh national operas, and now it is a great joy and enormous experience for her to add the role of Gulbarshin to her repertoire.
At the premiere of the production, I carefully studied Gulbarshin from the auditorium. At the moment I am working on my part, details of the performance, preparing with teachers and accompanists. For me, this is one of the most difficult roles of all Kazakh operas. The work of composer Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev has its own characteristics in terms of style, rhythm, accents and orchestral score. I note that the musical composition is different from other operas. As for my heroine, she has such courage, determination and sincere love for Alpamys that she can directly tell Taishiq Khan about this,” Nazym Sagintai says. At the end of the conversation, the singer congratulated everyone on the upcoming holiday and wished the people of Kazakhstan prosperity, Nazym Sagintay says.
Opera soloist Talgat Allabirinov, who is preparing to portray Ultan, agreed with her.
It is a right thing that the opera Alpamys is presented on Independence Day. Because after attending this performance, young people will be inspired by this story and their sense of pride in our people will increase even more, the soloist shared his thoughts.
Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev is an outstanding composer who wrote operas and many vocal works. As a student, I performed his songs “Almaty Keshi” and “Tan Samaly” at a republican competition and became a laureate. And the first Kazakh opera that I first heard was Qamar-sulu by this wonderful composer. At that time I was very impressed by his music. Since he wrote his works from the heart, performing them becomes quite easy. The author’s creations are extensive and he reveals each character in detail. Although Ultan is a small part, it is of great importance, I think without him the opera would not have come out as planned, he added.
For two days in a row, the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra, Choir and Ballet as well as the opera soloists will perform under the baton of conductor, holder of the Order of Qurmet, Ruslan Baimurzin.
