KAZAN Universiade 2013 – Cultural Universiade – Chalyapin.Nureyev.Kazan Festival brings together international celebrities

The premiere of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess on the stage of the Musa Jalil Tatar Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre on July 6, signalled the grand opening of the International Music Festival Chalyapin. Nureyev. Kazan.

The extensive holiday programme, according to the deputy director of the theatre, Yuri Larionov, is dedicated to the Cultural Universiade, which will run from July 6 to 17. The audience will be treated to the best opera and ballet performances from the repertoire of the theatre, with the participation of prominent representatives of the world of classical arts.

Coming to the festival in Kazan are two leading teams from Russia – the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra conducted Valery Gergiev and the St. Petersburg State Academic Ballet Theatre of Boris Eifman. The renowned conductor and composer Mikhail Pletnev is also expected here.

In addition, during the Universiade, concerts will be given by the I. Moiseyev Folk Dance Ensemble and the State Song and Dance Ensemble of Tatarstan.

Porgy and Bess, which opened the festival – is one of the best works of art by George Gershwin, and for the first time was performed on the stage of the Musa Jalil Tatar Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. This is typically American, in terms of plot and imagery work, based on jazz and blues motives, Negro folklore, and improvisation. The main parts of the First American Opera are performed by foreign singers – Calvin Short (USA), Kirstin Piper Brown (USA), Lester Lynch (USA), Ronald Samm (UK), Melba Ramos (Austria), and Nikosazana Dimande (South Africa).

For the musical part of the performance are responsible the maestro from Italy, Marco Boemi and choirmaster Lyubov Draznina.

The role of Porgy was performed by baritone Kevin Short, his first time in Kazan. For him, a graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, a soloist with the Metropolitan Opera, a member of international festivals, this performance in Tatarstan is extremely satisfying.

A long time ago, this singer performed at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano (Japan), and now, many years later, he is glad to take part in a festival dedicated to the Universiade.

“I must confess,” said Kevin Short, “before I became a professional singer, I wrestled, and took part in major sporting events. I love sports, especially wrestling and football. I wish the people of Tatarstan great success in holding this major sporting event.”

Short also added that during his one week stay in Kazan, he has fallen in love with Kazan, and has grown to love the people living in it. “There’s such a warm, friendly atmosphere here, that I would really like to come back here,” concluded the performer.   

The casting manager of the theatre, Anna Bagautdinova, talked with the same warm feelings about her foreign partners. “These actors are working with great enthusiasm,” she says, “and we would like to continue this cooperation. We are already thinking of new joint productions.”

Source: Media Department of Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate