Opera Stars of the Turkic World on Sep 26 –

and for a separate concert at GAU on Sep 29

by Heidi Trautmann

In cooperation with the TRNC Ministry of Economy, Tourism, Culture and Sports,  the General Directorate of Joint Administration of Turkic Culture and Arts (TÜRKSOY) have invited to enjoy the 17^th TÜRKSOY Opera Days again in 2014. It was decided by TÜRKSOY that the year 2014 is dedicated to the great Turkish opera singer Leyla Gencer (soprano) (1928-2008) who is considered as one of the most successful sopranos of the 20^th century. She was known worldwide as the ‘Diva Turca’ ‘The Gencer’ ‘La Regina’.

The General Directorate of Joint Administration of Turkic Culture and Arts (TÜRKSOY) is an international foundation which was established in 1993 in Almaty among the ministers of culture of the Turkish speaking countries Azerbaijan, Kazakhistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey. The countries which participated later on as observing members are the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, Khakasia, Tuva, Altai Republic, Sakha(Yakutia) Republic and Gagauzia. The official language is Turkish and its headquarters are in Ankara. The main goal of TÜRKSOY is to establish relationship among the Turkish speaking countries based on friendship to research and promote the Turkish culture preserving it for the next generation.

The TÜRKSOY Opera Days are for me a special event and for many others and I never miss it. Again it was with free admittance.

In addition to the 17^th  TÜRKSOY Opera Days in Bellapais, the Girne American University  - GAU -  had again arranged a concert under the name of ‘Opera Stars’ on 29 September in the Spectrum Hall to honour the fact that GAU grants scholarships to students from Turkic countries. After the official programme the opera singers gave an Impromptu Concert for their compatriots.  

There were 16 singers from 13 different countries, namely: Afak Abbasova Budakova (soprano) from Azerbaycan; Saltanat Muratbekova  (mezzo) from Kazakistan; Telek Naymanbayev  (tenor) from Kirgistan;  Ermek Mairov (tenor) from Kirgistan; Burçin Savigne (soprano) from Turkey ; Atageldi Garyagdiyev from Türkmenistan; Aleksandra Cherpakova (soprano) from Hakasya (RF); Laden Ince (soprano) from North Cyprus; Aleksander Emelyanov (bariton) from Saha Yakut (RF); Ayrat Imasev (baritone) from Tataristan (RF); Andrey Makarov (tenor) from Cuvasistan (RF); Sayfullo Yusupov (baritone) from Tacikistan; Guzailinuer Kuerban (soprano) from Sincan Özerk Bölgesi (China), Wushouer Sailai (from Sincan Özerk Bölegesi (China)  and Altankhuyag Bayasgalan (Bass) from Mongolistan.; Leyla Gurtuyava (soprano) from Kabardin – Balkar (RF).

The pianists accompanying the singers were: Zhanar Ahmetova from Kazakistan and Yuliya Bapova from Turkey.

The first half of the most impressive programme was with famous opera arias and – without a break it went over to the second half with national compositions. It is worthwhile to show the programme hereafter.

The Abbey Crypt was full to the last seat, some late guests lined up against the walls. Many had come to listen to their ‘national treasure’ Laden Ince who not for the first time was nominated to represent her country, the TRNC, along the road of the TÜRKSOY Opera Days which took place – starting on 15 September – in Istanbul, Bursa, Ayvalik, Bodrum, Marmaris, Ödemis and Girne.  We were all very proud of her. On Facebook Laden Ince shared her experiences of the concerts on the way down south to Cyprus and many of us encouraged her. As the second contribution she sang the famous Cypriot song by K.Aziz and it was with great sensitivity that she sang this song, but also the Frau Fluth’s aria of the Merry Widows of Windsor, was a delicacy given to us, as were all the other contributions.  The audience was overwhelmed and showed it.

A very special treat was the Tenors’ Parade and finally the big Finale with all singers joining in. What a heart touching big scene, a promise for an Au-Revoir next year.

A big Thankyou to the artists and to TÜRKSOY for arranging this most remarkable music event.

The many national flags of the participants were dancing in the night wind, all united by music. I wished this idea would take root in heads to organise something like it with representatives from the many European countries, with good winds to make them dance.

 My photos show the singers all in full action!