In honor of Mukhan Tulebayev's 112th anniversary, the opera "Birzhan - Sara" will be staged in the capital.

On this day, the brilliant soloists of the theater's opera troupe prepare the images of the heroes. In the lead roles of the beloved folk characters, the akyns Birzhan and Sara, Beimbet Tanarykov and the Honored Figure of Kazakhstan Bibigul Januzak will perform. Talghat Galeev will take the stage as the district ruler Janbota, while Gulyjanat Sapakova will portray Analyk, and Altynai will be played by Asem Sembina. The audience will experience Altynbek Abilda's interpretation of the treacherous Zhienkul, with Valery Selivanov as Kozhagul, Arthur Gabdiev as Serik, and Talghat Allabirinov as Estai.

The performance will also feature the Symphony Orchestra, choir, ballet, and mimans of "Astana Opera," conducted by the People's Artist of Kazakhstan Abzal Mukhitdin. The principal choirmaster is the Honored Figure of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Dautov, the choreographer is the Honored Figure of Kazakhstan Mukaram Avakhri, the assistant director is Erenbak Toykenov, and the director of the opera troupe is the Honored Figure of Kazakhstan Talgat Musabaev.

This performance is a tribute to the collective's creative genius, the outstanding composer Mukan Tulebaev, who would have turned 112 in March. The significance of M. Tulebaev's contributions cannot be overstated: the composer developed the foundations of professional musical art in Kazakhstan, enriching it with new themes and artistic images, expanding the range of genres and expressive means, and elevating the domestic opera art to a new level by synthesizing national Kazakh melodies with the achievements of world musical culture. His melodies touch upon the deepest layers of human perception, and the legendary lyrical-dramatic opera "Birzhan – Sara," which explores the power of true love, the struggle for the freedom of creative individuals, and the right to happiness, has captivated audiences since its premiere at the Abai Theater in Almaty on October 7, 1946, becoming a true treasure of the classical art of our country.

On the stage of "Astana Opera," the large-scale performance, interpreted by the conductor-maestro Abzal Mukhitdin, the director and Honored Figure of Kazakhstan Askhata Maemirova, and consultant director Mikhail Pandzhavidze, has taken on vibrant new colors. Set designers and Honored Figures of Kazakhstan Sofia Tasmagambetova and Pavel Dragunov, projection designer Sergio Metalli, and lighting designer Jacopo Pantani have authentically conveyed the culture, traditions, and way of life of the Kazakh people.

It is worth noting that this opera was the opening production of the capital's theater in 2013. For many seasons, the performance was presented in the edition of the People's Artist of Russia and laureate of the State Prize of Kazakhstan Yuri Alexandrov. The premiere of the current musical and stage edition in April 2018 was a true sensation among both the audience and experts alike.

In a critical article, Doctor of Arts, Professor at the Kazakh National University of Arts Umidjan Jumakova notes that "the theater 'Astana Opera' has revived the great work of Mukan Tulebaev." According to the esteemed musicologist, "a truly convincing modern musical and stage solution is presented, which is clearly read in the context of the overall unity of Kazakhstan’s culture under the influence of spiritual revival."

“In the 'Astana Opera' production, the performance is characterized by a dynamic plot development. All the best traditions, represented in the introductory folk fair, then in the aitys, wedding ceremony, in the courtroom scene, and the concluding lament, are woven into a continuous narrative line, without any deviations, repetitions, stops, or expansions. It is this modern tempo-rhythm of the performance, originally constructed as an ethnographic canvas, that leads and captivates the listener and viewer,” the article states.

The performance begins at 17:00.