While the main theatrical season takes a summer pause, Kazakhstan’s Astana Opera is set to captivate audiences with a rich lineup of classical concerts at the Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall.
The seasonal series will feature the popular “Musical Holidays at Astana Opera” on July 25 and August 8, as well as a special concert titled “A Passacaglia for the Encore” on August 1, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.
The Musical Holidays project highlights young Kazakh musicians currently honing their craft at world-renowned conservatories. These emerging talents - already recognized on international stages and at prestigious competitions - return home to share their art with local audiences.
Among the performers are students from leading institutions including the Gioachino Rossini Conservatory (Italy), Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln (Germany), Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, The Purcell School for Young Musicians (UK), Carnegie Mellon University (US), and Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory (Russia), among others.
Through initiatives like Musical Holidays, Astana Opera continues to foster the development of the next generation of Kazakh classical musicians, nurturing talent that will one day promote the nation’s musical heritage on global stages.
Concert Lineups and Repertoire
On July 25, audiences will hear from:
Vocalists: Nurai Shalman, Aidos Arniyazov
Violinists: Dariga Kazkenova, Zhanel Bekenova
Violist: Adil Karimov
Cellists: Seit Zhanybekov, Ilkham Aimbetov
Flautist: Kamila Ismagulova
Pianist: Beibars Smailov
Composer: Alibi Zhanat
With accompanists Shakhizada Kulseitova and Rakhima Toike
On August 8, the spotlight will turn to:
Soprano: Alina Kulbayeva
Violinists: Nuriya Kanifa Kadyrzhan, Diana Makazhan
Flautist: Afina Mavidi
Bassoonist: Abylai Zhumake
Pianists: Radiya Orazalinova, Zhuldyz Yerzhenis
Percussionist: Aidar Fazylov
Accompanist: Malika Aimakova
Audiences can expect a diverse repertoire, from Kazakh works such as Azhar’s Lament from Zhubanov and Khamidi’s opera Abai, the folk song Yapurai arranged by N.K. Kadyrzhan, and Variations for Dombyra and Piano by Alibi Zhanat, to international masterpieces by Beethoven, Mozart, Verdi, Haydn, Brahms, Liszt, Schubert, Debussy, Ysaÿe, Scriabin, Piazzolla, and others.
Spotlight: A Passacaglia for the Encore - August 1
Complementing the Musical Holidays series is the August 1 concert “A Passacaglia for the Encore”, featuring performances by:
Violinist: Aiya Gabbasova (Astana Opera orchestra)
Pianist: Anara Kamelinova
Cellist: Azamat Mukhtaruly, a student at the Yehudi Menuhin School (London)
This concert presents a wide-ranging program from Baroque to Romantic masterpieces, including:
Handel - Halvorsen’s Passacaglia
Schumann’s Fantasiestücke
Brahms’ Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major
Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen
Kazakh compositions will also be featured prominently, including Mansur Sagatov’s Kui and Kenzhebek Kumisbekov’s Poem.
Combining youthful energy, national pride, and international excellence, the summer concerts at Astana Opera promise to offer a refreshing cultural experience for residents and visitors alike. With performances rooted in tradition yet open to innovation, Astana Opera continues to be a vital force in Kazakhstan’s classical music scene.
