Rustem Khamitov: "The opening of Opera and Ballet Theatre was a final chord of the Year of Culture"

UFA, 30 December 2014. /Bashinform News Agency, Iliya Spiridonov/. The President of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov visited a Gala concert which took place at the newly opened large hall of the Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theatre.

The major repairs of the building began in May 2013. The works included purchase and installation of high-end lighting and sound equipment, changing the interior of the theatre, complete replacement of utilities, installation of fire extinguishing systems. 848.7 million rubles were spent for its renovation.

“The year of 2014 held in the republic as the year of culture comes to an end. This wonderful event became its "final chord" in our republic. After reconstruction our favourite Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theatre reopened its doors to the audience”, Rustem Khamitov said before the concert.

Bashkortostan President summarized the main results of the Year of Culture and presented state awards to people of art, as well as artists and employees of the theatre.

The program of the Gala concert included performances of the leading soloists of opera and ballet troupes, including the People's Artist of Bashkortostan and Tatarstan, soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre and the Metropolitan Opera Ildar Abdrazakov, as well as the Italian singer Barbara Frittoli.

Recall that the Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theatre was created on December 14, 1938. It was located in the building of Aksakov People's House, built in 1914 in honour of the famous writer. During its existence, the theatre visited 20 countries and more than 25 regions of our country on tours. Currently, the theatre employs 288 artists, including graduates of Ufa State Academy of Arts, Bashkir Choreographic School named after Rudolf Nureyev. The repertoire includes 56 plays and more than 100 symphonic and chamber programs.