28th ceremony of the Novosibirsk theatre award “Paradise” was held on 20th November at the chamber hall of the Philharmonic society.
The main prize in the category “Best performance of the musical theatre” went to “Peer Gynt” ballet (choreography and production by Edward Clug) and was presented to Denis Matvienko, Artistic Director of the Ballet Company and performer of the title role.
Denis Matvienko: “Peer Gynt” ballet is a real breakthrough for our company. Edward Clug created a performance unique in its emotional impact at the intersection of dance and dramatic arts. This is the essence of modern European ballet. A theatre possessing the artistic heritage of this scale must have forward looking performances and we will advance in this direction. Creating this production we were sure it would become intelligible for the younger audience, but I am happy to know the fact that the elder audience loved our “Peer Gynt” as well and the performance is always sold out. “Paradise” award means recognition by the Novosibirsk audience and theatre workers. “Peer Gynt” is our victory.
This year the professional jury had to evaluate 1 puppet theatre, 8 musical, and 10 dramatic productions. The Novosibirsk audience could vote for the best performance on the website of the award. Six NOVAT premieres were nominated in the category Musical Theatre.
Chief Stage Director of NOVAT Vyacheslav Starodubtsev also received “Paradise” award in 2017 “For artistic concept and direction of Verdi’s opera “Un Ballo in Maschera”. The expert council of the National theatre festival-award Golden Mask called “Un Ballo in Maschera” one of the most remarkable performances of the theatre season 2016-2017.
Soloist of the Novosibirsk opera Alexey Zelenkov was awarded with “Paradise” for performing parts in opera premieres of the season: Tomsky (Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades. The Game”), Renato (Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera”), Tonio (Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci”). Prior to that occasion Alexey Zelenkov won the National Opera Award “Onegin”. Being currently busy as a guest artist with the Mikhailovsky theatre, Alexey was unable to attend the ceremony, so he asked his friends to thank the “Paradise” jury: “Theatre awards mean recognition of the audience on the first place, of those who inspire us go to the stage. This feels incredibly pleasing when you do what you love and people get to appreciate it at the same time. From the bottom of my heart I thank the members of the jury and each voter!”
We congratulate the winners on their victories and keep being proud of our theatre’s new achievements!
Performances received “Paradise” award:
Ballet “Peer Gynt” with music by E. Grieg – 10th January 2018
Thriller-opera “Un Ballo in Maschera” by Verdi, Vyacheslav Starodubtsev’s production – 12th December 2017.
3rd December Alexey Zelenkov will participate in a concert “World opera in Novosibirsk”; 14th December he will perform Tonio/Proloque in Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci”, 24th December he will play the part of sergeant Belcore in this season’s premiere – Donizetti’s opera “L’elisir d’amore”, Vyacheslav Starodubtsev’s production.
