Abyazov Festival assembles world-wide known soloists in Kazan on April 1-4

Permanent head of Kazan State Chamber Orchestra “La Promavera” Rustem Abyazov celebrated his 50th anniversary on March 29. On April 1-4 the II Abyazov Festival takes place in Kazan and Naberezhniye Chelny cities. The festival is also dated to the 30th jubilee of the famous conductor, composer and violinist’s creative work. The maestro shared his plans and informed about the festival programme at an online video conference at Tatar-inform agency. Director of “La Primavera” orchestra Fanis Chulpanov also took part in the conversation. Leysan Abdoullina hosted the video conference.

Mr Abyazov, tell us about the festival programme please?
R.A.: The opening ceremony of the festival is to take place on April 1. It will be a concert of “La Primavera” orchestra. Such eminent soloists as Irina Bochkova, Maksim Fedotov, Idris Gaziyev, and Michelle Marang agreed to take part in the concert. Two outstanding accordionists – Guzel and Vladimir Yeremeyevs are also to perform. On April 2 a similar concert will be held in Naberezhniye Chelny.

I’m looking forward for a concert on April 3. It will be a skit evening named “About the jubilee man – either with good words or joking”. Representatives of Kamal Theatre, Kachalov Theatre, the Tatar State Philharmonic Society, “Panther” chamber ballet, Kazan Music College named after Aukhadeyev, the music school at Kazan State Conservatoire and many others are expected to take part.

The festival is to close on April 4 at a concert of the Republic of Tatarstan State Symphonic Orchestra under my guidance. The orchestra will perform the compositions, which are rather rarely heard in Kazan: F. List Concert No.1 for Fortepiano & Orchestra and A. Vietan Concert No. 5 for Viola & Orchestra.

The festival includes a number of cultural events. What remains beyond the concerts framework?
R.A.: Kazan State University has prepared a good gift for me. A large exhibition “Maestro Rustem Abyazov” is dedicated to the jubilee. I haven’t seen the exposition yet, but it must be of quite a large scale.

An interesting exhibition will be arranged at the State Grand Concert Hall during the concerts. The name of the artist Tatyana Lyarson is well-known. She has prepared her painting for the festival. Another part o the exposition includes works from my personal collection. All paintings are more or less connected with music, inspired by it or dedicated to this art.

On April 3 a presentation of new CDs will take place at the Grand Concert Hall.

Mr Chulpanov, were there difficulties in organization of the festival?
F.C.: There always some difficulties in organization of such large0scale events. But we managed to solve all problems thanks to support of the republican Culture Ministry and Kazan Mayor’s Office. Besides, many participants are music starts. It was difficult for them to find time and come to Kazan.

R.A.: Yes. For instance, it was difficult to arrange participation of Maksim Fedotov, the world-wide known violinist. He scheduled the time already a year ago. He is to come to Kazan on April 1; on April 2 he is to be in Moscow.

How did you celebrate our birthday?
R.A.: On March 29 – my birthday my friends and colleagues gathered at the National-Cultural Centre “Kazan”. We celebrated this holiday together.

Writing by Nina Narykova
Photos by Yekaterina Krasutskaya

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