“Life in the Profession”. The title of this project is not merely a phrase; it encapsulates a profound commitment to the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus. Initiated by the theatre's director of ballet, Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation Igor Kolb, this project delves into the lives of three People’s Artists of Belarus: Yury Trayan, Olga Gaiko, and Anton Kravchenko, whose names are synonymous with unwavering dedication to their craft.
On 8 October, a tribute performance celebrating the life and work of the People’s Artist Yury Trayan was held as part of the project. That evening, the music by Vyacheslav Kuznetsov was performed in the theatre, and the ballet stars “told” the legend of Anastasia, the Princess of Slutsk, on the stage. The leading roles were performed by Irina Eromkina, Yury Kavaliou, Anton Kravchenko, Aleksandra Chizhik, Vladimir Ruda, and Denis Shpak, with Nikolai Koliadko conducting. Yury Trayan came on stage to a thunderous applause from the thousand-strong audience of the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus.
“Thank you for being here. I bow deeply to these young talented artists – they have danced with souls full of light. Let good fortune accompany each of them – opera singers, dancers, musicians. Together, let us wish them success and inspiration! The Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus is truly a unique institution.” These were the words Yury Trayan addressed to the audience, artists, colleagues, and friends, as he bowed and received a standing ovation.
This performance was the inaugural one in a series titled “Life in the Profession”, and the next instalment took place on 12 October – it was Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, dedicated to the esteemed ballerina Olga Gaiko, who graced the stage as the Queen on that night. The evening was truly extraordinary, with the leading roles of Odette and Odile performed by three ballerinas, Yelyzaveta Musoryna, Maryia Muzaleuskaya and Anastasiya Yurkevich, who had been carefully prepared by Olga Gaiko herself.
Aram Khachaturian’s Spartacus on 24 October will be a performance paying tribute to Anton Kravchenko, an artist whose strength, talent, nobility, and vitality have captivated generations of audiences. The People's Artist of Belarus will star in the title role.
On 12 and 24 October, following the performances of Swan Lake and Spartacus, dedicated to Olga Gaiko and Anton Kravchenko respectively, the audience is invited to a photo and autograph session in the centre of the stalls foyer.
Dear friends, do not miss an opportunity to join these remarkable evenings, for it is a unique chance to express our gratitude to those who have dedicate their lives to the stage.