The second graduating class of the Astana Opera International Opera Academy attendees completed their training within the walls of the country’s main theatrical venue, El.kz cites astanaopera.kz.
With the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, throughout the year, young vocalists improved their skills under the guidance of the best Kazakh and foreign coaches.
The final chord of the curriculum was the concert In Native Tongues, held on July 19 at the Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall.
Remembering the attendees’ successes of the 2023-2024 academic year, it can be noted that all the concerts of the second graduating class of the academy were a huge success. Young soloists performed at the Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall, with Bravo, Opera! being one of the most striking programs. Many attendees were warmly received by classical art aficionados in opera productions that ran as part of Astana Opera’s permanent repertoire during the 11th theatrical season.
The educational process of the academy’s attendees was truly rich and varied. For example, baritone from Kokshetau Bekulan Yerbolatuly and tenor from Astana Nursultan Anuarbek were invited to undergo training as part of the 17thWinter Arts Festival in Sochi, where the artistic director is the world-famous violist and conductor Yuri Bashmet. The soloists took part in master classes, lectures and lessons by outstanding teachers and musical figures, and also performed in the final concert.
One of the most significant events of the year were master-classes from the world-famous pianist coach and conductor from Italy Alessandro Benigni and Professor of the Accademia d’Arte Lirica Osimo Ala Simonishvili. The Maestros prepared young singers for the premiere of Donizetti’s Il Campanello and for the performances of this composer’s L’Elisir d’Amoreand Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta. Kazakh teachers, conductors and accompanists have also done tremendous work in developing young artists. Thus, Honoured Workers of Kazakhstan Zhupar Gabdullina and Azamat Zheltyrguzov honed their vocal skills and stagecraft with them every day.
The achievements of the academy’s attendees also say it all. Firuza Rakhmetova became a winner of the First Nurzhamal Ussenbayeva International Vocal Art Competition, taking an honourable second place. Her colleague Leila Alamanova also won second place, at the 9thBulbul International Vocal Competition in Baku, Azerbaijan. Nematillo Zkrullaev won second place at the third Otar Taktakishvili International Competition “Rondo-Klasika” in Tbilisi, Georgia. These significant achievements highlight the high level of excellence achieved by the academy’s young vocalists.
The academy attendees shared their impressions of the training. “This year hac become truly unforgettable for me. I received a unique opportunity to learn from the best teachers and perform at the opera house’s prestigious stages. The academy gave me new knowledge and skills, and, of course, confidence in my abilities,” soprano Firuza Rakhmetova noted.
Baritone Jurica Jurasić Kapun from Croatia and soprano Anastasia Remeskova from Russia added: “Studying at the academy opened up new horizons for us in understanding the art of opera. Each master class, each rehearsal brought a new experience that cannot be overestimated. The academy plays an important role in developing young talent and we were happy to be part of this process.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with people of high professionalism: teachers, coaches, conductors, stage directors. We had an intensive educational program and concert performance work. I was also happy to participate in a premiere and repertoire productions of Astana Opera,” Anastasia Remeskova concluded.
Executive director of the Astana Opera International Opera Academy Aisulu Tani gave her assessment of the graduates, emphasizing that throughout the year they demonstrated the high level of skill and artistry that they acquired during this time. “I am proud of their achievements and am confident that the soloists will successfully continue their careers in the world of opera. We look forward to welcoming our new cast of the academy attendees this fall and hope that they bring just as much joy and inspiration. I wish our graduates success and new creative victories,” Aisulu Tani emphasized.
The second graduating class of the Astana Opera International Opera Academy attendees is no less bright and talented than the previous one. Let us remind you that the Astana Opera International Opera Academy was established in 2019. In the 2023-2024 academic year, young performers from Kazakhstan and other countries improved their skills here. Graduates of both classes made a successful start in the profession, are effectively building a career in our country and are in demand abroad.