Astana Opera has prepared an exciting program for the young audience. Thus, on November 2, children’s favourite ballet, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, will be presented at the opera house’s Grand Hall, El.kz cites astanaopera.kz.
On November 3, César Cui’s fairytale opera Puss in Boots, held at the Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall, will help to understand important life values.
The Nutcracker is one of the most magical productions in Astana Opera’s repertoire. It is especially worth noting that last year, the capital’s ballet company presented this wonderful ballet on tour at Dubai Opera. The stunningly beautiful sets make this production truly magnificent, creating a magical atmosphere at the opera house. There is a huge Christmas tree with toys around it here, and, of course, slowly falling snow.
The ballet, based on Hoffmann’s fairy tale, is interesting for both children and adults. However, this time The Nutcracker promises to be memorable not only for its exciting storyline, but also for important debuts. Thus, the ballet company soloist Sofiya Adilkhanova will perform Marie for the first time, and the soloist Dias Kurmangazy will debut as the Nutcracker-Prince. Principal dancer Olzhas Tarlanov will take the stage as Drosselmeyer. On this day, the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra will perform under the baton of the Italian conductor Giuseppe Acquaviva.
Another performance that the young viewers will find interesting is the fairytale opera Puss in Boots, based on Charles Perrault’s work. The production team, which included stage director Yerenbak Toikenov, author of the musical edition Alikhan Idrissov, conductor Elmar Buribayev, strived to convey the main idea of Charles Perrault’s fairy tale: friendship, ingenuity and courage help achieve any goals. The production inspires children to never give up and always be brave. Thanks to costume designer Dariga Taishikova’s work, children will easily recognise their beloved fairytale characters. Ablai Beken, who will take the stage as the Marquis, the youngest son, for the first time, seeks to convince young viewers of the fairy tale’s truthfulness with his acting skills.
“Today’s children think and perceive the world differently. It is difficult for them to believe in miracles, but I fully believe that art can instil such important life qualities as ingenuity and resourcefulness. My hero, although upset with only inheriting a cat from his father, gains a lot thanks to this smart animal. Therefore, through the portrayal of the Marquis, I want to convey to the audience the need to appreciate what you have, because nothing in life is given for free. I hope everyone will like our production. Let our viewers’ childhood be filled with the same magical moments as in a fairy tale,” Ablai Beken shared.
Let us also note that on this day, the opera house’s soloists will perform the roles of the other characters in the production. Narul Toikenov will present the main part of the wise Cat, Valeriy Selivanov will perform the King, and Shyngys Rassylkhan will portray the Ogre. Ulpan Aubakirova will take the stage as the beautiful Princess.