Bolshoi, Mariinsky theaters play captivating concert in Tashkent

December 10, 2011

A group of opera singers from Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater and St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theater performed a gala concert at Tashkent’s Turkiston Palace on December 10. Organized under the auspices of the Fund Forum and Russia’s Ministry of Culture, the live concert by artists from two of the world’s cultural jewels has become a dream come true for hundreds of opera enthusiasts in Tashkent on the threshold of the New Year.

The first part of the gala concert presented Russian opera masterpieces such as Lensky’s aria from Tchaikovsky’s opera Eugene Onegin, arias from Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden) as well as a duet from Borodin’s opera Knight Igor. The beautiful voice of the soloists of the Bolshoi and the Mariinsky – Anna Aglatova, Yekaterina Sergeyeva, Dmitry Voropayev and Edem Umerov – accompanied by the Symphonic Orchestra of the Music and Theater Studio at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan playing under the baton of Russian conductor Sergei Polyanichko made for a stunning combination of classical music and Russian literary heritage.

In the second part of the concert the soloists performed well-known arias from operas by European classical composers Bizet, Offenbach, Verdi and Puccini. The quaint milieu of the Old World was successfully conveyed through famous characters: young Margarita and charming Carmen, energetic Rigoletto and doleful Nemorino played by Anna Aglatova, Yekaterina Sergeyevea, Edem Umerov and Dmitry Voropayev had the audience captivated.

Each piece that was sung at the gala was more than just singing; rather it was a whole story with deep feelings and emotions, with utmost mastery and dedication lent by the singers and rapt attention from the spellbound audience. In what was a recognition of the soloists’ great talent and virtuosity, the audience clamored for an encore and the four singers performed an aria from Verdi’s La Traviata. The concert, which was an opportunity for many Tashkent opera fans to get a taste of classical music art offered by two of Russia’s prominent opera houses, is certain to have made lasting impressions on the audience, particularly on the many young talented students and artists who were provided with free tickets to the concert.

Anna Aglatova, soloist, the Bolshoi Theater:

- “I am impressed by the splendor of Turkistan Palace where we have the opportunity to perform today. Also, there are so many beautiful buildings in Tashkent that are designed in national style. It’s great that people here cherish their national culture. And today we have a chance to present a bit of our own Russian culture in the first part of the concert for the Uzbek public. The second part consists of world-famous European operas which are recognizable by even untrained listeners. I hope that the audience will enjoy today’s repertoire and leave the concert with good impressions.”

Yekaterina Sergeyeva, the Academy of Young Singers at Mariinsky Theater:

- “I think it is necessary and important to encourage young people’s interest in operatic music. There are currently many projects on joint performances of operatic singers and pop singers. For young people who have come here today it will be very useful and interesting to come closer to opera art. As for me, should I get the opportunity I will come back to Uzbekistan with pleasure to get to know more about this country, its architecture and many places of interest.”

Sergei Polyanichko, conductor and head of the Russian Horn Orchestra (Russia):

- “I’m so happy that we’re performing in Uzbekistan. I got a chance to taste Uzbek persimmons, which are the sweetest I have ever tried. Also I’m impressed by Uzbek musicians. We rehearsed with the Uzbek symphonic orchestra, and with each day it was easier to work. They have enough experience and commitment to handle a program as complex as this. And lastly I want to wish people in Uzbekistan good health and lots of love.”