KHAN SULTAN. ALTYN ORDA

Dear friends!

   On November 29, 30, and December 1, 2024, the Abai Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre proudly presents the World Premiere of the opera «Khan Sultan. Altyn Orda” by renowned Kazakh composer Khamit Shangaliyev.

   Very soon, you will witness the birth of a new national opera, a masterpiece that has brought together creative minds from various countries. Over the course of three days, you will embark on an unforgettable journey through centuries, experiencing a whirlwind of emotions as you become part of the events surrounding the formation of the Golden Horde—one of the largest states of the medieval era. This remarkable experience will be brought to life by the live performances of opera and ballet artists, the choir, and the symphony orchestra of the theatre, enhanced by stunning stage transformations, lighting effects, and video projections that will immerse every audience member into the heart of the story.

   The central character of the opera, Khan Sultan, is one of the most extraordinary rulers of the Altyn Orda. She was the mother of the great Khan Berke and the third wife of Jochi Khan. Her intelligence, strong will, and political wisdom made her a significant figure in the history of the Altyn Orda, establishing herself and her sons as key figures in the Jochi Ulus.

   The stage director is Davide Livermore, a distinguished Italian director who has worked with legendary artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Mirella Freni and Zubin Mehta, as well as renowned directors like Luca Ronconi, Andrei Tarkovsky and Zhang Yimou. Livermore has directed productions at prestigious venues, including La Scala, the Rome Opera, Teatro Regio in Turin and Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa.

   The conductor is Nurzhan Baibusinov, the chief conductor of the Abai Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Tatar Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after M. Jalil.

   The libretto was written by Almas Nusip and Maraltai Ybyraev. Since the legacy of the Altyn Orda is a spiritual treasure uniting Turkic nations, significant contributions to the creation of the opera «Khan Sultan. Altyn Orda» were made by the scientific community and scholars from the Republic of Tatarstan. Scholars from Turkic-speaking countries also served as consultants during the creative process, including Ilnur Midhatovich Mirgaleev, the head of the Center for the Study of the Golden Horde and Tatar Khanates, Ilyas Kemaloglu of Marmara University, and Nurlan Atygayev, a Candidate of Historical Sciences and Professor.

   We invite you to this grand premiere, where you can immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Altyn Orda through the power of opera.

Author of the idea: AYNUR KOPBASAROVA

Co-director: CARLO SCIACCALUGA

Scenographers: ELEONORA PERONETTI, PAOLO GEP CUCCO, DAVIDE LIVERMORE

Lighting Designer: GAETANO LA MELA

Chief Choirmaster: ALIA TEMIRBEKOVA, honored worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Ballet meister: ASEM ALDIBEKOVA

Main Costume Designer: AINUR ERIMBETOVA

Video content: D-WOK

Artistic director of the opera troupe:  BOLAT BUKENOV, honored worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Artistic director of the ballet troupe: GULZHAN TUTKIBAEVA, national artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Poster Author: Assol Sas, an artist-illustrator and graphic designer.

Assol described her work as follows:

«The wings and beaks of predatory birds frame the face of the woman like a headdress. They symbolize both danger and protection. The burning city represents battles, victories, and losses, amidst which her destiny as a wife and mother of warriors unfolds.»

  The competition is still ongoing, and we look forward to seeing more entries!