The Queen of Spades. Herman's arioso by Sultan Baisultanov.

A magnificent performance by Sultan Baisultanov. His roots were in Chechnya he was brilliantly educated in Russia (Leningrad Conservatory), but spent all his life working in Kazakhstan, in Almaty Opera House. Much loved by his devoted audience, Sultan sung all the leading tenor parts from the world’s best operas. Unfortunately there are no proper recordings of him, as being Chechen by blood he “didn’t belong” and wasn’t properly promoted during his 30 years career. I used to know him personally. He was such a dear. So charming and kind, always making jokes, cheering others. He had this light, and sunny personality and wonderful soft sense of humour. He considered himself a very happy man as he was lucky to do what he liked best - singing. The tragic part of Herman from Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades was prophetically his last part. People reported having goose-bumps during his performance. He died sadly in 2012.
Sultan, we will always love and remember you!