SULEYMANOV, Gata Zulkafilovich

SULEYMANOV, Gata Zulkafilovich (15.6. 1912, Derevnya Trukhmenevo 1st of Orsky Uyezd of Orenburg Gub., now Selo Turkmenevo 1st of Baymaksky Raion of the RB, — 25.6. 1988, Ufa), Actor, Singer (baritone), Kurai Player, Teacher. People’s Artist of the BASSR (1963), Merited Worker of Culture of the RSFSR (1978) and Merited Artist of the BASSR (1953). Laureate of the BASSR Award named after Salavat Yulayev (1971). Awarded with the Order of the Badge of Honour (1955). Between 1927—29, he studied at the Bashk. Technical School of Arts, between 1936—41 — at the Bashk. Studio at Moscow Conservatory. Since 1941 — a Soloist at Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theatre, between 1947—72 — an Actor at BSAT, simultaneously between 1963—82 — a Teacher Ufa School of Arts. A character actor. At the Bashkir Drama Theatre, he played over 90 roles in the works of Bashkir, Russian and foreign authors. At the Opera and Ballet Theatre, S. created colourful and diverse images of Masim‑khan (Akbuzat), Asfan (Ashkadar by A.A.Eichenwald), Kormoy (Karlugas by N.K.Chemberdzhi), Alakay (Ayhylu by M.M.Valeyev and N.I.Peyko). The performing art of S. as a kurai player was distinguished by rich ornamentation, expressiveness, perfect technique and improvisation. He continued the traditions of kurai playing of Kh.B.Akhmetov, Yu.M.Isyanbayev, G.G.Ushanov. For the first time in the Republic, S. described the kurai playing techniques. He recorded one of the versions of epic Kara‑yurga and over 250 Bashk. folk songs and their legends, notated more than 150 of them.