16.02.2012

V. Gergiev: “Kazan is one of the obvious cultural leaders”

(Kazan, February 15, Tatar-inform, Maria Kirukhina). The Mariinsky Theatre on February 14th, within the 30th International Shaliapin Opera Festival, presented in Kazan An Enchanted Wanderer, whose libretto had been written by Rodion Schedrin, based on Nikolai Leskov’s novella.

The performance’s musical director, Valery Gergiev, noted he primarily liked the music because of the composer’s idea and the fact that it was based on a piece of Russian literature.

“I love the composer’s fabulous work with the choir. Few people today write so excitingly and sanguinely, although large choirs are waiting for such pieces for decades,” V. Gergiev commented.

The opera has over the last 3 years been shown in 7 countries and, of course, in many Russian regions. An Enchanted Wanderer has 25 times been presented at the native Mariin Theatre.

“I am glad my Kazan colleagues put forward this bold and relevant idea. This gives the opera audience a good, healthy feeling that we are having a great event,” maestro said. “It is the first time I take part in this festival and it is a great honour for me.”

Valery Gergiev went on to concede he, unfortunately, seldom visited the Tatar Opera and Ballet Theatre. The visit is the fifth.

“Today there is every opportunity for our theatres, based on the current experience, to exchange visits and plays. Another thing I would like to happen is Albina Shagimuratova to sing with us,” maestro shared.

Kazan is one of the obvious cultural leaders, Valery Gergive went on to say. “You do not have to prove anything to anyone here, but at the same time it imposes obligations,” he stressed.

The Mariinsky Theatre is staging a Don Quixote production. “It is the piece that Shaliapin raised to an unreachable height with his first performance. The fact that the great Kazan native was the first to perform the part should be remembered. Possibly, the play will after the premiere come here,” Gergiev said.