Eric Kurmangaliev - biography and path of an outstanding singer of Kazakhstan 

Eric Kurmangaliev born 2.01.1959/XNUMX/XNUMX, in the city of Kulsary, Guryevskaya, Kazakhstan – died 13.11.2007/XNUMX/XNUMX years in the Russian Federation. The writer was a famous Soviet and Kazakh figure and was considered an exemplary artist of Kazakhstan.

Detstvo

Eric was born into a healthcare family where his father was a surgeon and his mother a pediatrician. He was surrounded by an atmosphere of care and precision. Since childhood, he showed a natural inclination for singing, imitating the iconic voices of Olga Voronets and Lyudmila Zykina, and by the age of twelve he became deeply interested in classical music. His ancestors belonged to the Alasha clan of the Bayuly tribe of the Younger Zhuz.

Eric first became acquainted with acting at the Kirov Secondary School in Guryev, where he played Cinderella's stepmother in school drama productions. After graduating in 1976, he entered the Alma-Ata Conservatory, impressing the admissions committee with Tchaikovsky's aria from "Maid of Orleans". Possessing a rare male alto voice, Eric was able to take on roles traditionally performed by women.

His unique vocal abilities were both a gift and a challenge, sparking curiosity and sometimes doubt, especially regarding the rigid cultural norms of the Soviet Union. His journey continued in Moscow, where he was initially rejected from the Moscow Conservatory, but was later accepted into the Gnessin Moscow Musical Pedagogical Institute.

Difficult learning path

His time at the Gnessins was riddled with trials and almost exile, all of which was overshadowed by the extraordinary nature of his talent. In 1980, Eric made his first notable appearance as a concert singer in the Great Hall of the Leningrad Philharmonic, performing an opera by G. Pergolesi "Standing Mother". This performance caught the attention of Alfred Schnittke, leading to a landmark collaboration that showcased Eric's unique voice in contemporary compositions.

Eric graduated from the Gnessins in 1985 and continued his studies at the Moscow Conservatory with Professor Nina Dorliak. He has also attended master classes with various respected vocal teachers and performed extensively on international stages.

The beginning of an artist's career

Eric Kurmangaliev's performances with such renowned conductors as Gennady Rozhdestvensky and Dmitry Kitayenko captivated the audience, demonstrating his deep musical talent. His defining moment came in 1988 at the Boston Music Festival, where critics compared him to the famous opera diva Fedora Barbieri, declaring him a sensational phenomenon.

The name Kurmangaliev became a household name in Kazakhstan in 1992, when he boldly played Song Liling in the scandalous play “M. Butterfly" adapted from the original screenplay by David Henry Hwang. Inspired by Mikhail Kolkunov of the Roman Viktyuk Theatre, Eric took on a role that challenged cultural norms with his astounding vocal range and compelling performance, making the play a must-see for many, repeatedly drawing audiences to witness his transformative and captivating portrayal.

This role brought him the award for best actor of the year in 1992. After that, he played leading roles in such classics as "Orpheus and Eurydice" A mistake and "Bat" Strauss, which increased his reputation at international festivals and concerts. performed at the invitation of such celebrities as Pierre Cardin and Svyatoslav Richter.

List of films where Kurmangaliev starred

• Vote;
• Viola - Resurrection;
• Salem — Mereworth;
• 2005 - Farinelli;
• 2005 - Vocal parallels;
• 2010 - Legends of time: Erik Kurmangaliev.

Starring

Kurmangaliev's extensive repertoire included works by a wide variety of composers, including Handel, Rossini and Purcell. He shone in leading roles in such operas as "Coronation of Poppea" Monteverdi. His recordings cover an impressive range, from Bach cantatas to Schnittke symphonies.

In 2002, he performed at a gala concert in the respected Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. In 2005, a turning point in his career, he played a role in a stylized film in Riga "The Kidnapping of Farinelli" and starred in the film by Rustam Khamdamov "Vocal Parallels", which, despite financial difficulties, highlighted his cinematic prowess among famous actors.

List of albums written by Eric

• 1990 - Symphony No. 2 A. Schnittke, brought back to life in 2001;
• 1990 - Symphony No. 4 A. Schnittke, reissued in 2005;
• 1990 - Eternal J. S. Bach Cantata BWV 201;
• 1991 - Alto, revisited in 2001;
• 1997 - Captivating The musical world of Roman Viktyuk;
• 2009 - Tense Cantata Faust A. Schnittke.

Eric Kurmangaliev's brilliant career not only highlights his exceptional skill as a performer, but also his ability to push the boundaries of traditional opera and theater, leaving an indelible mark on the arts.