On December 17, 2023, it was officially announced the renowned Russian director, Alexei Frandetti, has been appointed the artistic director of the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after Alisher Navoi. This milestone marks not only Frandetti's return to his roots but also signals exciting prospects for Uzbekistan's cultural scene.
Frandetti, who was born and raised in Tashkent, expressed his heartfelt connection to the theater from childhood. He recalled, "I was born and raised in Tashkent. I hope I can be useful and interesting to this theater" (Original quote in Russian: "Я родился и вырос в Ташкенте, надеюсь, что я смогу быть ему полезен и интересен"). His tenure begins at a time when the theater seeks to revitalize its offerings and engage new audiences.
His appointment has been heralded as significant for the cultural life of Uzbekistan. According to the press service of the Bolshoi Theatre, this initiative "promises to be significant for the cultural life of the country and inspire a new generation of artists." With Frandetti at the helm, the theater is poised to realize ambitious ideas and projects intended to enrich the cultural palette not only of Uzbekistan but also of Central Asia.
Prior to taking this prestigious role, Frandetti was the chief director at the Moscow theater, Lenkom, where he made waves with productions like "Cabaret Pushkin" and "Mayakovsky." He was at Lenkom for two years before making his exit earlier this summer.
Frandetti shared his enthusiasm for working at the Bolshoi Theatre, which he noted, "This is the first theater I entered when I was four years old. For me, this is an important story" (Original quote in Russian: "Это первый театр, в который я вошёл, когда мне было четыре года"). He plans to lead the theater toward innovative and captivating musical theater, emphasizing the inclusion of many talented colleagues he knows.
Significantly, Frandetti has articulated his commitment to national identity within the arts, indicating, "I plan to hold a composers' competition to write national music, so Uzbek opera and ballet will sound around the world" (Original quote in Russian: "У меня в планах проведение конкурса композиторов, которые пишут именно национальную музыку, чтобы узбекская опера и балет звучали во всем мире"). This initiative could pave the way for local composers to showcase their talents on international platforms.
The State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Uzbekistan boasts a rich history, recognized as the largest theater in the country. With Frandetti's leadership, hopes are high for revitalizing traditional performances alongside new works. Starting January, the theater will launch several projects aimed at demonstrating its capabilities, starting with performances featuring the symphony orchestra.
The artistic vision of Frandetti, characterized by both passion and innovation, promises to transform the program offerings of the Bolshoi Theatre. His unique perspective as someone who not only understands the intricacies of musical theater but also has deep cultural ties to Uzbekistan is expected to establish stronger connections between the theater and its community.
Frandetti's ambitions include fostering new generations of artists, creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration, and enhancing audience experience. The community looks forward to seeing how his ideas and programming will inspire not only seasoned theater-goers but also attract younger audiences eager to engage with the arts.
The appointment has been met with optimism from both artists and audiences. Frandetti's blend of local traditions with contemporary settings could usher the Bolshoi Theatre of Uzbekistan toward exciting new horizons, balancing cherished classics with explorative, modern interpretations.
With this inspiring new chapter at the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre, the future looks bright, and the cultural conversations initiated under Frandetti's direction are anticipated to resonate well beyond Uzbekistan's borders.
