On January 29, on the stage of the “Astana Ballet” Theater, one of the most famous ballets in the whole world, “The Nutcracker”, to the music of the famous composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, was shown. The title roles that evening were performed by artists of the Mariinsky Theater: prima ballerina Oksana Skorik and soloist Evgenii Konovalov. The metropolitan audience warmly received the guests from St. Petersburg, thanking them for the performance with a storm of applause and flowers.
“Performances of foreign artists in repertoire performances is a widespread practice for any theater. First of all, we want to please our spectators by giving them the opportunity to see with their own eyes artists from such a renowned theater with a rich history as the Mariinsky. After all, there, Vasily Vainonen first staged this performance in 1934, whose version of “The Nutcracker” is on the stage of the “Astana Ballet” Theater”, - noted Nurlan Kanetov, artistic director of the “Astana Ballet” Theater, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation.
The brilliant soloists of the Mariinsky Theater - Oksana Skorik and Evgenii Konovalov, classical dancers who carefully preserve the traditions of the famous ballet school, showed a high level of skill and stage charisma in the roles of Mashenka and the Nutcracker.
For Evgenii Konovalov, this is the first visit to the capital of Kazakhstan. As the artist noted, touring performances in quarantine realities become even more valuable, especially when it happens on a new stage.
“I've been dancing in the |Nutcracker” since the Academy. At first there were small parts in the corps de ballet, then I danced the part of the Mouse King, the Spanish dance and others. Well, and after, the Prince himself. For me, “The Nutcracker” is my favorite classical ballet. And I am glad to dance it here today, in such a beautiful and modern theater. I hope the audience today felt this festive atmosphere and were satisfied with the performance”, - says Evgenii Konovalov, soloist of the Mariinsky Theater.
The symphony orchestra under the direction of maestro Arman Urazgaliyev was responsible for the magical atmosphere of a fairy tale, permeated with hope, light and kindness.
By the way, the next day, on January 30, the leading soloist of the “Astana Ballet” Theater, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan and the audience's favorite, Tatyana Ten, will perform as Mashenka. The leading soloist of the theater, talented artist Sundet Sultanov will be her partner on stage.
“The Nutcracker” ballet staged by People's Artist of Russia Altynai Asylmuratova, in which not only adult theater artists are involved, but also students of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, has become the most anticipated event in the cultural life of the city since its premiere in 2017. The rush demand for tickets and unchanging sold out houses have been an indicator of this for many years.
And for all fans of the ballet "Nutcracker" who did not have time to see their favorite performance, the theater "Astana Ballet" will once again show the famous fairy tale on February 5 and 6. The part of Mashenka will be performed by the leading soloists of the theater - Darina Kairasheva and Anar Dukiyeva, the Nutcracker - Weslley Carvalho and Sundet Sultanov.