Aisulu

Sydyk Mukhamedzhanov

Aisulu

Comic opera in two acts

To the 100th anniversary of S. Mukhamedzhanov

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.

Sydyk Mukhametzhanov (1924 1991) was a classic of Kazakh music of the 20th century, one of the founders of the composer’s school of the republic, People’s Artist of the USSR, and a laureate of the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR.

He graduated from the Kurmangazy Alma-Ata State Conservatory, where he studied under Professor Ye. Brusilovsky. Mukhamedzhanov gained recognition with his first student work, the symphonic kui Homeland of Joy. He also became well-known for his romance set to the poetry of Abai, Zhark Yetpes Kara Konilim Ne Kylsa da, and the oratorio Voice of the Ages. These successes were followed by the creation of four operas (Aisulu, Zhumak Kyz, Akan-sere Aktokty, Kozy Korpesh Bayan Sulu), four symphonies, numerous cantatas, choral and symphonic poems, concertos, and hundreds of songs and romances. Mukhamedzhanov was the first Kazakhstani composer to write an oratorio (Voice of the Ages), a comic opera (Aisulu), and a concerto for voice and orchestra.

He was awarded the Orders of the Badge of Honour (1959), the October Revolution (1974), and the Order of Friendship of Peoples (1984).

OPERA SOLOISTS, ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF THE ASTANA OPERA HOUSE

PRODUCTION TEAM:

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

Stage Director: Yerenbak Toikenov

Principal Chorus Master: Yerzhan Dautov, 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

Opera Company Director: Meir Bainesh, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan

Stage Managers: Altynganym Akhmetova, Ainur Khalelova

Assistant Conductor: Ruslan Baimurzin

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.