Aisulu

Sydyk Mukhamedzhanov

Aisulu

Comic opera in two acts

Libretto by Kuandyk Shangitbayev and Kanabek Baiseitov

Performed in Kazakh

(accompanied by synchronised subtitles in Russian and English)

Running time: 2 hourы 40 minutes (with one interval)

Please note that the age limit is 10+

Management reserves the right to substitute performers

The opera Aisulu is the first Kazakh comic opera with a contemporary plot.

The concept of the opera originated from the well-known song Aiteuir Sol Kyz Bir Sulu with lyrics by K. Shangitbayev, created in 1956. The authors decided to expand on this theme, and in 1960, the Kazakh Drama Theatre staged the play Beu, Kyzdar-ai! by playwright K. Shangitbayev and his co-author K. Baiseitov, with music by S. Mukhamedzhanov. Later, the composer developed the idea into a purely musical work the comic opera Aisulu based on this storyline. In 1972, the second edition of the opera was created, in which the dramaturgy became more dynamic and lively, embodying the key characteristics of both the comedy genre and opera as a whole.

At the heart of the plot is a story about the everyday lives of youth, focusing on the young lovers Aisulu and Serke, as well as two comedic couples Khasen and Aubakir with Aisulu’s sisters. Their amusing adventures and playful schemes form the core of the storyline.

The comedic nature of the play determined the musical dramaturgy of Aisulu. There is a significant emphasis on large choral and ensemble scenes, with a recitative foundation for many of the musical moments. However, alongside the comedic elements, the composer introduces a strong lyrical component, and the opera’s dramaturgy is characterized by a rapid alternation of lyrical and comedic situations and scenes.

LEAD ROLES AND PERFORMERS:

Aisulu Nazym SAGYNTAY

Serke Dinmukhamed KOSHKINBAYEV

Zhansulu Assem SEMBINA

Nursulu Saltanat MURATBEKOVA

Aubakir Talgat ALLABIRINOV

Khasen Shyngys RASSYLKHAN, laureate of the State Youth Prize “Daryn”

Academician Bolat YESSIMKHANOV

Abdykadyr Zhanat SHYBYKBAYEV, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan

Seller / Policeman Sultan BAKHYTZHAN

OPERA SOLOISTS, ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF THE ASTANA OPERA HOUSE

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Music Director, Conductor, Music Editor: Abzal Mukhitdin, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan

Conductor: Ruslan Baimurzin

Stage Director: Yerenbak Toikenov

Principal Chorus Master: Yerzhan Dautov, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan

Opera Company Director: Talgat Mussabayev, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan

Set and Costume Designers: Sofia Tasmagambetova, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan

Pavel Dragunov, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan

Choreographer for Extras: Bostan Kozhabekov

Lighting Designer: Sergei Shevchenko

Projection Designer: Pavel Suvorov

Technical Director: Victor Carare

Stage Managers: Altynganym Akhmetova, Ainur Khalelova

Assistant Directors: Gulsara Meirambekova, Sagynysh Abylkair

Assistant Set Designers: Yerbol Bisenov, Gulmira Issemgaziyeva

Assistant Projection Designer: Azamat Kuttyguzhin

Assistant Lighting Designer: Karim Ramash

Assistant Costume Designers: Dariga Taishikova, Zhanar Mominova

Digital Music Notation: Alikhan Idrisov

Tickets purchased at the State Opera and Ballet Theatre “Astana Opera” are subject to exchange and refund only in cases of cancellation or postponement of performances. In all other cases, no refunds or exchanges will be made.