Premiere of the “Tamerlano” opera at GABT
The Fund for the Development of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan presents the production of the opera Tamerlano directed by Stefano Poda
On October 2 and 3, the Fund for the Development of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan will present the production of the opera Tamerlano directed by Stefano Poda on the stage of the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre. The music by George Frideric Handel will be performed in a modern interpretation by Kirill Richter. The premiere is timed to coincide with the IV World Conference on Creative Economy, which will be held in Tashkent from October 2 to 4.
The opera, considered one of Handel’s best works, was composed in 20 days in July 1724. In 2024, this legendary piece celebrates its 300th anniversary. The new version of the production, implemented at the initiative of the Fund, offers a contemporary interpretation of Handel’s work, focusing on the central plotline and dynamism.
Composer and pianist Kirill Richter has taken on the complex task of preparing a new interpretation of Handel’s music, adding Uzbek national instruments to bring the performance closer to the authentic sound of Amir Timur’s era. The musical accompaniment of the opera will be presented by the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan under the direction of Alibek Kabdurakhmanov.
For this project, the Fund has attracted the best international creative talents. Scenography, costumes, lighting, and choreography are being created by the renowned Stefano Poda, whose projects have received acclaim on world stages. In his search for aesthetic and conceptual unity, Stefano Poda always combines directing, choreography, set design, costumes, and lighting. His unique style is based on a vision that harmoniously weaves ancient images with contemporary art. On stage, he speaks his own language, erasing the boundaries between different genres and disciplines, creating an all-encompassing experience and a world of total art.
Working on the dramaturgy of Tamerlano together with Stefano is Paolo Giani Cei, known for his strong and emotionally rich productions. Since 2008, he has collaborated with Poda as an assistant director, set designer, costume designer, and lighting designer.
A distinctive feature of the opera Tamerlano will be the participation of the Honored Choir of Uzbekistan led by Gulnara Malikova, the Karnay-Surnay group “Uzbegim” led by Kamil Muminov, and artists from the Orchestra of Folk Instruments led by Abdukarim Ashirmatov. In total, more than 160 people are involved in this large-scale production
The opera will be performed in Italian. The lead role will be performed by the most famous bass in the country, People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Jenisbek Piyazov. The role of the Turkish Sultan Bajazet will be played by Spanish tenor Juan Sancho, considered one of the best Handel performers of his generation, and the role of Bajazet’s daughter Asteria will be performed by soprano Veronica Cangemi (Argentina).
