The opera theater is used to be called the main one in the world. Perhaps that is the reason that these centers are constantly in the spotlight by both the government and the public. Moreover, there are countries where the Opera Theatre operates under the auspices of the first figure of the country. Not to “travel” too far, let us illustrate the example of Russia. The Bolshoi Theater of this country as a brand operates adjacent to Vladimir Putin’s administration. But it does not mean at all that those in charge of this country’s cultural sector have “washed their hands” of the problems of the Bolshoi Theatre. The two-chamber parliament in Russia takes on a great responsibility for the cultural events: the Federal Assembly and the State Duma, which is in addition to the law-making activities, they allocate special funds for the State Duma deputies to attend various cultural events and be able to have tickets purchased by the Duma rather than invitation tickets.
A scene from A. Tigranyan’s “Anush” opera: Anush
Anahit Mkhitaryan
Recently, the Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Al. Spendiaryan launched its 83rd season with the performance of A. Tigranyan’s “Anush” opera. “Aravot” asked Andranik Arzumanyan, the Director of the Opera Theatre, about the opera premieres planned for this season. “On October 22, we will have the premiere of Puccini’s opera “Tosca”, in late December – Khachaturian’s ballet “Masquerade”, in May 2017 – again a piece of work from the world opera literature, Puccini’s opera “Madam Butterfly,” – said our interlocutor.
He also added that the rehearsals of the performances have begun long ago, and assured that work is progressing smoothly as planned. “Not only the theatric creative group: the orchestra, choir and soloists, naturally, the conductor, staging producer, director, designer of dresses but also the technical staff are fully prepared for the premieres of the mentioned performances,” – assured Andranik Arzumanyan. We were curious to know whether, like other theaters, they are not planning to restore one or two of the previous performances mentioning that our theater had such practice. “The middle and senior opera-admiring public, I am sure, will recall Donizetti’s opera “Poliuto” (conductor Tigran Levonyan) once included in the theater’s repertoire, which is also performed in the territory of Zvartnots Cathedral. We have decided to restore this opera. At this point, I cannot give any specific timeframe,” – said the director. For known reasons, no theater has or can have the world opera and ballet “constellation of stars”, however, it is possible to compile and present the spectators, let’s say, excerpts from ballets, arias, duets, tercets from operas, choral pieces and so on from the non-repertory performances. In answer to this observation, Andranik Arzumanyan said smiling, “Let me also take an advantage of free advertising one more time. Come to Opera House on October 8 to a gala concert, which will be conducted by the artistic director of the theater Constantine Orbelyan.” Interrupting our question, he noted, “We can learn about the details of the upcoming gala concert right from the maestro.”
Samvel DANIELYAN
