The performers of "Astana Opera" captivated audiences in Russia with their miniature production "Mankurt."
The author's miniature "Mankurt," set to the music of Akhtota Raimkulova, received high praise from ballet critics, while the audience enthusiastically remarked that the Kazakh artists outperformed everyone on stage. Boris Eifman, the legendary choreographer and festival organizer, expressed his admiration, stating loudly: "Kazakh people are great!"
The piece "Mankurt" was performed by "Astana Opera" artists Galymzhan Nurmukhamet and Kamila Ormanova, while Sultanbek took to the stage with the number "Qilyzaman," accompanied by the music of the ethno-folk ensemble "Turan."
– This is my first experience participating in such a festival as a choreographer. The organizers and the audience welcomed us very warmly. We received praise from ballet critics from Moscow and St. Petersburg, Olga Rozanova and Pavel Yashenkov. They noted the originality of the performances "Mankurt" and "Qily zaman," presented by the artists of "Astana Opera." Familiar with Chingiz Aitmatov's story "Naiman Ana," which depicts the image of a mankurt, they expressed their delight at how the choreographer was able to convey such a complex theme. Ballet experts also recalled the immense success of our troupe at the Kremlin Palace with B. Asafiev's performance "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai," which took place two years ago. This time, they again highlighted the high level of our troupe under the leadership of Altynay Asylmuratova, – shared Sultanbek Gumar.
Ballet critics hope to see more performances by Kazakh artists as they are confident that Sultanbek Gumar will create many more significant productions as a choreographer in the future. The Boris Eifman Dance Academy also offered the young choreographer a collaboration.
We remind you that at the finale of the "Young Choreographer" festival, alongside Kazakh artists, choreographers and dancers from Russia, Belarus, and China showcased their skills.
– I want to express my gratitude to my colleagues – soloists of "Astana Opera" Galymzhan Nurmukhamet and Kamila Ormanova for their brilliant performance of the number "Mankurt." I have long dreamed of presenting the theme of mankurt from the works of Ch. Aitmatov and "Qily zaman" by M. Auezov at such an international level. We received immense inspiration from the festival. Additionally, it was very beneficial to gain new knowledge and experience in theatrical lighting design. At the Boris Eifman Dance Academy, it turns out, there is a special faculty that trains lighting designers. This is very important for choreographers, as light can convey all the ideas and characters of the heroes. I would like to see a department opened in our country that trains such specialists at a professional level, – concluded S. Gumar.
It is important to note that in December of this year, Sultanbek Gumar will delight fans with new original numbers "Aralym" and "Älem," which will be presented on the stage of "Astana Opera" as part of the premiere gala program Nomad Ballet.
