Tenor from Astana Opera Enraptured Italy
Astana Opera’s soloist, graduate of the Astana Opera International Opera Academy, winner of republican and international competitions Alikhan Zeinolla completed an internship in Florence at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. It lasted 2 months, and in April the young tenor returned to Kazakhstan. The main course of disciplines was taught at the Italian opera house’s Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, which implements various youth programs, El.kz cites astanaopera.kz.
The soloist received a free two-month internship after a successful audition, which took place in the summer of 2023 in Florence. The director of the academy, Gianni Tangucci, noticed the talent of the Kazakh vocalist and invited him to undergo training. It included 4 disciplines, among which: Italian for Foreigners at the famous Scuola di Italiano per Stranieri di Firenze Società Dante Alighieri, and three narrowly focused disciplines in vocals and work on parts in operas.
“I had a unique opportunity to practice the language that I learned at the Astana Opera International Opera Academy. In addition, I took Singing Masterclass with various famous opera singers, such as Italian baritone, vocal teacher Vincenzo Spatola, Gianni Tangucci, buffa baritone Bruno de Simone, who specializes in the roles in operas by Rossini, Donizetti, Mozart,” Alikhan Zeinolla says. “I honed my vocal technique with accompanists and coaches. I was lucky enough to work with the very famous pianist Giulio Zappa, artistic director of the Teatro Donizetti in Bergamo. We analyzed many parts, arias, art songs, and worked on the style of Italian operas. I also managed to attend rehearsals of Italian artists, delve into their work process, tried to absorb all the nuances of acting and vocal skills, and looked at what stage directors and conductors require from soloists. I think it was a good experience for me. I would like to emphasize that I receive great creative support from my teacher at the Astana Opera International Opera Academy, Anatoli Goussev.”
Incidentally, the trip turned out to be significant for Alikhan Zeinolla not only because of the opportunity to increase his professional experience. On April 7, he made his first European debut. Immediately after his internship in Florence, our compatriot gave a performance in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, at the illustrious Ferenc Liszt Hall. Alikhan Zeinolla performed Rossini’s Stabat Mater. “I was able to show myself, represent Kazakhstan. I think I managed to do it worthily, because after the performance I was offered to take part in the next theatrical season in a gala concert program with Hungarian singers,” Alikhan Zeinolla notes.
Despite his young age, the Astana Opera soloist is increasingly becoming in demand in the international opera arena. This August, Alikhan Zeinolla has 4 concert performances in the Tuscany region. The artist will also take part in the Rossini Opera Festival in the city of Pesaro in Italy. This festival is one of the most authoritative world venues, where renowned singers of our time consider it an honour to take part. In addition, Alikhan Zeinolla is preparing to perform the role of Count Almaviva in Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Sivigliaat the Zakaria Paliashvili Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre.
The singer’s plans also include a performance in October of this year in Rossini’s La Cenerentola at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale in Florence.
“It was a big surprise for me that I was offered to perform the main role in this celebrated opera. This means that our Kazakh vocal training is not inferior to the European opera school. However, Astana Opera will always be the number one opera house for me. Wherever I am, I always say that I am the soloist of Astana Opera and represent my native Kazakhstan,” the singer concluded
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