Visit of Professor Demetrio Colaci from Milan, Italy

On May 2 and 3, 2024, Professor Demetrio Colaci from the Giuseppe Verdi Milan Conservatory, Italy, made a private visit to the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory. The professor familiarized himself with the institution's activities and conducted workshops for students of the Vocal Art Department.

During his visit, Maestro met with the Acting Rector of the Conservatory, Nurken Ashirov. Together, they discussed the possibilities and prospects of international cooperation between the institutions. Rector N. Ashirov demonstrated his virtuoso performance on the dombra with the composition Adai by Kurmangazy to the esteemed guest. D. Colaci also attended a rehearsal of the folk instrument orchestra, which performed the piece Sagynysh by N. Ashirov. The Maestro was touched by the beauty and depth of the composition, as well as the expressive cantilena playing of the student orchestra, noting the musicians' professionalism.

During the workshops by D. Colaci, students from the classes of teachers Zhadyra Amanova, Zhamilya Baspakova, Tanagul Beknazarova, Gulzat Daurbayeva, Gafiz Yessimov, Bolat Zhomartov, and Murat Chalabayev participated. They performed arias from works by W. A. Mozart, G. Verdi, V. Bellini, and other composers. Maestro praised the students (Abdulla S., Aitkuzhinov D., Alpysbayeva A., Beisekov A., Otegen N., Rais D., Rakhymzhanova A., Rysbek A., Turymbek A.) who took part in the workshops for their good level of preparation, provided recommendations, and also demonstrated his vocal mastery, inspiring the audience with his singing.

Maestro noted that the Kazakh Conservatory has the potential to nurture artists capable of performing on the world stage. D. Colaci emphasized the importance of paying special attention to the peculiarities of the Italian language. In his opinion, it is crucial to convey the meaning of the piece and the music. Through vocalization, mimics, and gestures, conscious stage behavior is manifested, which should become an integral part of the performance for a competent opera artist.

At the end of the workshops, Professor D. Colaci assured that this would not be his last visit to our Conservatory and invited students and teachers to the Milan Conservatory.