Barsegh Tumanyan: In Kazakhstan the Attitude of the People is Very Warm

• 08.08.2015, 19:30
•  EEU,  "Armedia" and the world,  World,  Armenia,  No-politics,  Interview

Armedia" IAA presents an exclusive interview with  Barsegh Tumanyan, opera singer, People's Artist of the RA. The Interview was conducted in the framework of "Armenia-Kazakhstan: Cooperation Platforms" project, with the support of Embassy of Kazakhstan in Armenia.

- How is life in Kazakhstan?

-  Let's talk about three different concepts: Kazakhstan, the Opera and the Opera House in Kazakhstan - in all these dimensions I feel very good. Kazakhstan is a multiethnic country in which human rights are protected. Here, I feel calm, the attitude of the people is very warm. Maybe it depends on my profession? As for the opera house in Astana, it is unique in its kind and aims to become one of the best in the world. Here the best artists and directors from around the world are invited, in the orchestra there are ones invited from Russia, Italy ...

- What about the Kazakh opera and ballet?

- Kazakh ballet is very strong, but opera performances are still less: there are several ones by Zeffirelli - "La Traviata," "Aida." Kazakh opera "Abai" will be put by Giancarlo del Monaco, Mario del Monaco's son, the premiere will be in the fall. The quality of the performances is maintained so that it was longer in the repertoire, and its beauty aesthetically develops the society.

Now I'm busy with the operas "Aida" and "Abai". There are many concert halls, we give a lot of concerts. I also give solo concerts - there's a very interesting project called the Self Portrait: it includes all the performance of the actor, which can then become a CD-ROM.

- In Kazakhstan representatives of 130 nations live side by side. Do you feel that tolerance about which people talk so much? 

- Definitely. It really exists. I do not know, whether this approach is left from the Soviet times or not, but the common culture of that time, the Russian language is preserved. During major holidays pavilions are being given to all nations, for example Germans present their culture, the Armenians – their barbecue, dancing, etc. Every nation presents its culture, cuisine. In general, there is this solidarity. I would not say - tolerance, just they have good human relations, respect towards each other, and it is not a formality. Overall, very good conditions - I feel relaxed here, I was treated with respect and given a separate rehearsal room, a separate apartment. Of course, I would really like that in Armenia we also had such conditions. We would like Armenia to be our base, and we toured all over the world, this is - our wish! And one can only congratulate Kazakh, they have achieved this, have reached serious aims...