Askhat Mayemirov: Birzhan – Sara is an Exclusive Production of the Astana Opera

Months of preparation were not in vain: costumes were made, multi-ton ultramodern sets were manufactured, which made this production a true exclusive in the entire Eurasia. The artistic and production team presented a new reading of the Kazakh opera, breaking stereotypes of character perception.

The very first scene of the fair will capture the viewers’ imagination: there are talented folk artisans, craftsmen, brisk merchants, and various animals. Thanks to 3D technology, images of nature and daily routine will come to life. Bright costumes, video projections by the Italian expert Sergio Metalli, and most importantly – magnificent music, soloists’ beautiful voices and harmonious sound of the orchestra promise an unforgettable experience for the audience.

“The opera Birzhan – Sara has always been a treasure of our Kazakh opera art. Today, thanks to new technical capabilities, M. Tolebayev’s amazing music, the immortal love story of two talented people, this opera can be viewed and evaluated in the context of world opera art. When we staged this production, first and foremost, we started from music, which is based on the composer’s priceless melodic gift. I believe that the new musical and stage version harmoniously combines scenery, directorial ideas and music, which makes the opera Birzhan – Sara an exclusive production of the Astana Opera,” said Stage Director Askhat Mayemirov.

The main parts will be performed by: Birzhan – laureates of many international competitions Meir Bainesh, Beimbet Tanarykov; Sara – Honored Artists of Kazakhstan, state prize laureate Maira Mukhamedkyzy and Zhannat Baktai; Zhanbota – Honored Workers of Kazakhstan Zhanat Shybykbayev, Talgat Mussabayev; Analyk – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Dina Khamzina, international competitions laureate Gulzhanat Sapakova; Altynai – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Saltanat Akhmetova, Aizada Kaponova; Zhienkul – Yerzhan Saipov, Azat Malik; Kozhagul – Shyngys Rasylkhan, Yevgeny Chaynikov; Serik – Ramzat Balakishiyev, Zhumabek Kantarbayev; Yestai – Zhumabek Kantarbayev, Ramzat Balakishiyev, Abzalbek Maxim.

The production team is represented by: Music Director and Conductor – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan A. Mukhitdinov, Stage Director – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan A. Mayemirov, PhD, Consulting Director – Principal Stage Director of the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus, laureate of the G. Tukai State Prize of the Tatarstan Republic M. Pandzhavidze, Choreographers – Honored Workers of Kazakhstan T. Nurkaliyev, A. Tati, Assistant Directors – Y. Nursultan, Y. Toikenov. Set and Costume Designers – S. Tasmagambetova and P. Dragunov, Music Editor – T. Zharmukhamet, Lighting Designer – J. Pantani, Projections Designer – S. Metalli. Principal Choirmaster – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Y. Dautov.