The conductor has commenced rehearsals with the theatre orchestra and soloists.

(Kazan, January 23, Tatar-inform). On 1 February 2012, the 30th international Shaliapin Opera Festival opens in Kazan. The programme will be opened with the premiere of P. Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin.

The production’s musical director and conductor is the People’s Artist of Russia, winner of national and international awards, including Triumph and Grammy, Mikhail Pletnev.

Maestro has today arrived in Kazan. The conductor has commenced rehearsals with the Tatar Opera and Ballet Theatre after Jalil’s orchestra and soloists, the theatre’s press service has said.

Pletnev conceded he had some dear impressions and memories from living in Kazan.

The outstanding musician spent his childhood in Kazan. Pletnev’s parents, career musicians, worked at the conservatoire, while Mikhail at seven entered the special music school at the Kazan Conservatoire. The great pianist to be, winner of the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow and national competition in Leningrad, for 6 years studied the piano with tutor Kira Shashkina. At 13 he was transferred to the central music school at the Moscow Conservatoire named after Tchaikovsky.
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