Tamerlano at Versailles
On June 30, 2026, George Frideric Handel's opera Tamerlano was presented in concert at the Royal Opera of Versailles, marking the first time the venue had hosted the work in a standalone concert version. The performance was presented by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation as part of the project's ongoing international tour.
The concert marked a significant milestone in the European cultural season and introduced French audiences to a contemporary interpretation of one of the Baroque era's most celebrated operas. Following performances in Dubai, Vienna, and St. Petersburg, the production continued its international journey with its French premiere at one of Europe's most prestigious opera houses.
Originally composed in 1724, Tamerlano is regarded as one of Handel's greatest operatic achievements. Inspired by the story of Amir Temur (Tamerlane), the work explores timeless themes of power, love, destiny, and moral choice. More than three centuries after its premiere, the opera continues to resonate with audiences through its dramatic storytelling and virtuosic vocal writing.
The project's musical concept was developed by composer Kirill Richter, who reimagined Handel's score with a contemporary artistic perspective while preserving the spirit of the original Baroque masterpiece.
The principal cast featured Jenisbek Piyazov as Amir Temur, Juan Sancho as Bayezid, and Veronica Cangemi as Asteria. They were joined by the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan, conducted by Alibek Kabdurakhmanov, and the Honored Choral Ensemble of the Republic of Uzbekistan, led by Gulnara Malikova.
Presented in a concert format, the performance emphasized the expressive power of the orchestra, chorus, and soloists, allowing audiences to focus on the opera's rich musical and vocal artistry.
The Tamerlano project was originally created to commemorate the opera's 300th anniversary in 2024 through a landmark new production by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation. Today, it continues to strengthen cultural dialogue between nations while showcasing Uzbekistan's growing presence on the international classical music stage.
