For the twelfth consecutive year, on the eve of Almaty City Day, within the framework of the celebratory 95th theater season of the Kazakh National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abay, the prestigious International Vocalists Competition Named After Bibigul Tulegenova is underway.
Running from September 11 to September 17, 2023, this competition is hosted at the Abay Kazakh National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet (KNATOB) in Almaty, as confirmed by the event organizers.
On September 12, today, the preliminary auditions have officially commenced. Preceding this, a grand opening ceremony graced the competition. The opulent hall of the Kazakh National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after Abay was filled with eager spectators, transforming this day into a true celebration of high art for classical music enthusiasts.
The event was marked by the presence of its unwavering inspiration, the People’s Artist of the USSR and Kazakhstan, Hero of Socialist Labor, laureate of State Awards of the USSR and Kazakhstan, and academician Bibigul Tulegenova herself, who warmly welcomed both guests and participants.
During the ceremonial proceedings, a congratulatory letter from the Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Aida Balaeva, was read aloud, extending well-wishes for success to all participants of this internationally acclaimed competition. The letter emphasized the special role played by Bibigul Tulegenova, a national pride, in organizing such a high-level competition that contributes significantly to the development of classical art while unveiling new talents.
The highlight of the event was a concert featuring past competition laureates and soloists from KNATOB, accompanied by the theater’s symphony orchestra. The renditions of popular compositions were greeted with prolonged applause from the audience.
The primary aim of this competition is to instill moral and aesthetic values in the younger generation. It seeks to discover fresh, young talents who will delight audiences with operatic masterpieces. Furthermore, it elevates the prestige of Kazakh classical art and promotes the spiritual growth of the country’s youth. The performance of the finest examples of Kazakh music serves to unveil the true beauty of the Kazakh soul and popularize the works of Kazakhstani composers.
«The International Vocalists Competition Named After Bibigul Tulegenova is the largest high-level competition for young talents in classical music, boasting international acclaim. I want to emphasize that contestants are provided with outstanding opportunities to realize their creative aspirations. This competition serves as an excellent practical training ground for them to refine their skills and can be a launching pad for aspiring performers, a stepping stone to a successful professional career for all participants,» noted Elena Zaremba, a member of the international jury, laureate of international competitions, and world-renowned opera diva (Luxembourg), in an interview with journalists.
Young vocalists from all corners of Kazakhstan and countries near and far have converged in Almaty for this event. This year, 73 performers from 11 different countries submitted their applications for participation in the competition. Contestants, both male and female, must have been born between October 1, 1988, and October 1, 2004.
The captivating performances of these young opera singers are evaluated by a reputable and professional jury, comprising masters of the global opera scene from Italy, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, China, and Kazakhstan. Serving as the chairman of the jury for the XII International Vocalists Competition is the legendary figure of Kazakh opera, the national treasure, Bibigul Akhmetovna Tulegenova.
Each contestant receives a creative analysis of their performance as well as recommendations from professionals. This celebration of art will undoubtedly unveil new vocal talents who will conquer the world’s grand stages.
The competition consists of preliminary and final rounds, all conducted in public view. The order of performances was determined by a draw and will remain in place until the conclusion of the competition. In the final round, no more than 14 participants will be admitted.
The primary organizer of the competition is the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in collaboration with the Public Foundation «Miras National Cultural Fund.»
The Almaty City Administration also provides significant support in the organization of the XII International Vocalists Competition named after Bibigul Tulegenova.
