The premiere of the opera "Tamerlano" will take place in Tashkent

On October 3, 2024, on the stage of the State Academic Bolshoi Theater named after Alisher Navoi, the Foundation for the Development of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan will present a production of the opera "Tamerlano" directed by Stefano Poda. The music of George Frideric Handel will be performed in a modern interpretation by Kirill Richter. The premiere will be timed to coincide with the IV World Conference on Creative Economy, which will be held in Tashkent from October 2 to 4 this year.

This opera promises to be a grand cultural event, combining the grandeur of the past with modern trends. The opera "Tamerlano" tells the story of the life of the great conqueror before he became a ruler and married Bibi-Khanum. The plot centers on the love story of Amir Temur and the daughter of his enemy, the Ottoman Sultan Bayazet. The dramatic line leads the main character to the realization of how to become a fair warrior and monarch.

"Tamerlano", considered one of Handel's best works, was written by the composer in 20 days in July 1724. In 2024, the legendary opera turns 300 years old. The new version of the production, implemented on the initiative of the Foundation, is distinguished by a modern interpretation of Handel's work, a focus on the central storyline and dynamism.

Composer and pianist Kirill Richter took on the difficult task of preparing a new interpretation of Handel's music, adding Uzbek national instruments to bring the performance closer to the authentic sound of the era of Amir Temur. The musical accompaniment of the opera will be presented by the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan under the direction of Alibek Kabdurakhmanov.

To work on the project, the Foundation attracted the best creative forces of the international level. The scenography, costumes, lighting and choreography are created by the famous Stefano Poda, whose projects have received recognition on world stages. In search of aesthetic and conceptual unity, Stefano Poda always combines direction, choreography, sets, costumes and lighting. His unique style is based on a vision that harmoniously weaves together ancient images with contemporary art. On stage, he speaks his own language, erasing the boundaries between different genres and disciplines, creating a comprehensive experience and a world of total art. Poda does not simply tell a story, but creates a plastic, holistic atmosphere that unites design, architecture, sculpture, painting, music and drama.

The work on the dramaturgy of "Tamerlano" is led by Stefano Paolo Giani Cei, known for his powerful and emotionally charged productions. Since 2008, he has collaborated with Poda as an assistant director, set designer, costume designer and lighting designer.

An important distinctive feature of the opera "Tamerlano" will be the participation of the Honored Choir of the Republic of Uzbekistan under the direction of Gulnara Malikova, the karnay-surnay group "Uzbegim" under the direction of Kamil Muminov, as well as artists of the Orchestra of Folk Instruments under the direction of Abdukarim Ashirmatov. In total, more than 160 people are involved in the large-scale production.

The opera will be performed in Italian. The main part will be performed by the most famous bass of the country, People's Artist of Uzbekistan Zhenisbek Piyazov. The part of the Turkish Sultan Bayazet will be performed by the Spanish tenor Juan Sancho, considered one of the best Handel performers of his generation, and the part of Bayazet's daughter Asteria will be performed by soprano Veronica Canhemi (Argentina).

"Tamerlano" is distinguished by artistic and staging solutions that are new for Uzbekistan. It is expected that this creative project, combining unconditional respect for traditions and bold innovation, will become a bright event in cultural life and will attract the attention of both the general public and the international music community.

Director, artist and choreographer - Stefano Poda

Music - George Friedrich Handel

In a modern interpretation by Kirill Richter

Conductor - Alibek Kabdurakhmanov

Assistant director and playwright - Paolo Giani Cei