Today the grand opening of the Festival took place in the Big Hall of the Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theatre. Stars of the leading opera houses of Russia and abroad gathered here.
The Festival was started by the Chairman of the Astrakhan Region Government Konstantin Markelov and the Culture and Tourism Minister, Deputy Chairman of the Astrakhan Region Government Galina Zoteeva.
In the welcome speech, they noted the rich traditions of the Festival and wished creative success for participants, and unforgettable vivid impressions from the Festival and the acquaintance with new names in opera for spectators.
It is very symbolic that the Festival starts on April 8 year after year. It is a birthday of the great singer and ancestor of the whole clan of artists Maria Maksakova. The daughter of the famous countrywoman Lyudmila Maksakova came at the opening of the Festival. Her appearance on the stage was unforgettable. The unfading actress read the comic poem "Count Nulin” by A. Pushkin.
Festival guests, Astrakhan soloists, symphony orchestra of the Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theatre under the direction of maestro Valery Voronin took part in the gala concert on the occasion of the Festival opening.
The audience warmly welcomed each singer, among them were: Farida Mamedova (soprano) - the soloist of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan; Elmira Usaeva (soprano) - the soloist of the West Kazakhstan regional Philharmonic Society; Andrey Antonov (bass) - People's Artist, Honored Artist of Russia, the leading soloist of the Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre; Ekaterina Bogacheva (soprano) - the soloist of the Sochi Philharmonic Society; Anastasia Lepeshinskaya (soprano) - laureate of international competitions, the soloist of the Ekaterinburg Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. The Astrakhan soloists Vadim Shishkin, Ruslan Sigbatulin, Ivan Mikhailov, Zinaida Duzhova performed at the Festival.
The gala night was concluded by “Drink from the joyful cup” from the opera "La Traviata" by G. Verdi. All the participants of the Gala concert were on the stage.
After 30 years of the Festival's life, one can confidently say that the International Festival named after V. Barsova and M. Maksakova do not slow down!
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