Astana Opera Academy Enrolls New Attendees
Images | astanaopera.kz
The Astana Opera International Opera Academy has completed auditions for the new season’s attendees. Ten young talented soloists will receive intense master classes from the best Kazakh and world coaches to help hone their skills and prepare for work on the big stage, Astana Opera press office reports.
The Astana Opera Academy is a unique project of its kind that makes a significant contribution to the development of the country’s culture. It gives young talented artists an opportunity to improve their performing and acting skills, and learn basic opera languages. In addition to classes with the best teachers, the academy attendees can practice on the stages of the country’s main opera house, with the Astana Opera’s principal soloists as their partners. Based on the results of the first graduating class, we can note the success of the youth program, which has become an important component of the development of our opera house," Galym Akhmedyarov, the Astana Opera’s general director, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, emphasized.
It is worth noting that after graduating from the academy, its graduates - Guldana Aldadossova, Dinmukhamed Koshkinbayev, Valeriy Selivanov, Talgat Allabirinov, Alikhan Zeinolla, Azat Malik, Ulpan Aubakirova, Aigerim Amanzholova - were accepted as soloists into the Astana Opera’s opera company. Yerzhan Saipov, Shyngys Rassylkhan, Sayan Issin, Nazym Sagintai continued to work as soloists in the capital’s opera house. Rassul Zharmagambetov, Oraz Mukhamediyar, Zhandarbek Yerkinbayev became soloists of the Abai Opera House in Almaty and Elmira Shpekpayeva - soloist of the Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev State Academic Philharmonic in Astana.
The auditions for the International Opera Academy’s new attendees were carried out very thoroughly. The competition was 7 people per place. To participate in the first round, 68 applications from candidates aged 18-35 with higher and secondary specialized musical education, including vocalists from near and far abroad, were submitted. The first round was held in an online format. Applicants had to send videos of their performances with a diverse operatic repertoire. 22 candidates advanced to the second round of auditions accompanied by a piano at the Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall. Ten vocalists were selected based on the results of the third round - performance with an orchestra.
Among the lucky ones who were able to win over the discerning jury were soloists from Kazakhstan Leila Alamanova, Nursultan Anuarbek, Sultan Bakytzhan, Bekulan Yerbolatuly, Nematillo Zkrullaev, Merei Kadyrkhanov, Firuza Rakhmetova, as well as Jurica Jurasić Kapun from Croatia, Anastasia Remeskova from Russia and Shohrukh Yunusov representing Italy.
The general director of the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre, People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Ramiz Usmanov, who represented the jury, gave his assessment of the contestants’ level of professional training.
I have already heard the performances of some of them in other competitions several years ago and I can say that during this time the vocalists’ skills have grown significantly. This makes me happy and gives me hope for even greater professional growth thanks to the Astana Opera Academy," Ramiz Usmanov says. "Many opera houses have youth programs for vocalists without sufficient experience to reveal their potential. It is wonderful that Kazakhstan also has such an educational platform. Excellent teachers who work with the academy attendees will help improve their skills and reach the level of world’s major stage venues."
The deputy director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Sabina Asadova, invited to the jury, shares a similar opinion.
The Astana Opera International Opera Academy is an amazing youth project, a great school for the improvement and development of opera singers," Sabina Asadova notes. "Among the competitors vying for a place at the opera academy, were very young and somewhat older vocalists, with varied stage experience. However, the profession of an opera performer implies constant improvement and training."
The famous opera singer also wished the contestants who were unable to qualify for the academy not to feel down and take this as experience to stimulate them for further preparation.
Let us remind you that the first graduation of the Astana Opera International Opera Academy took place last summer. During their participation in the project, young vocalists not only significantly improved their professional level, but also became laureates of international and national competitions, and performed at major theatrical venues in our country and abroad.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
12 flights delayed in Astana due to bad weather
Astana International Airport announced the delay of several flights due to monster wind pounding the Kazakh capital, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Earlier this morning, 6 out of 80 departing flights and 6 out of 82 arriving flights have been delayed.
The following outbound flights have been delayed:
- FZ1304 Astana - Dubai
- TK357 Astana - Istanbul
- IQ353 Astana - Atyrau
- IQ437 Astana - Petropavlovsk
- KC7365 Astana - Oral
- DV479 Astana - Sanya
Four flights have been delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions in Astana.
The following inbound flights have been delayed:
- KC621 Almaty - Astana
- KC7316 Kyzylorda - Astana
- DV742 Aktau - Astana
- IQ354 Almaty - Astana
- KC7366 Oral - Astana
- IQ353 Almaty - Astana
One can find details about the status of flights and possible changes in the schedule on the official website of the Astana International Airport www.nn-airport.kz or contact a 24-hour call-center 8 (7172) 702-999.
Flight operations at the Astana International Airport have been disrupted due to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and snowstorms since November 6.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Over 40 kulans transported to Ile-Balkhash Reserve to restore species' population
Images | Depositphotos
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in cooperation with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), has successfully completed the next stage of the kulan reintroduction as part of the Turan tiger habitat restoration initiative. This month, more than 40 kulans were transported from Altyn Emel National Park to the Ile-Balkhash Reserve. In 2022, as part of this initiative, the first 60 kulans were relocated and successfully adapted to their new environment, Kazinform News Agency cites the UNDP Kazakhstan press service.
The kulan disappeared from Kazakhstan in the 1930s. To restore the population of this species, a long-term reintroduction project was implemented in several stages. Between 1953 and 1961, 14 kulans were transported to Barsa-Kelmes Island from the Badkhyz Nature Reserve in Turkmenistan. When their population on the island reached 200, the next stage-moving them to the mainland-began. This is how the kulans ended up in Altyn Emel National Park, where the restored population has become one of the most successful cases in the world regarding the reintroduction of wild odd-toed ungulates and currently represents the largest free-ranging population of kulans.
Today, in South Balkhash, the initiative to reintroduce the Turan tiger is being implemented within the territory of the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve. In this context, extensive efforts are being made to create its food base, including the kulan reintroduction. The project is being implemented by UNDP and the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. As part of the project, in 2022, 60 kulans were transported.
The reintroduction of kulans from Altyn Emel State National Park to the Ile-Balkhash and Altyn Dala reserves is another step in the efforts of the Committee for the Conservation and Restoration of Biodiversity. The clear implementation of all scheduled action plans for the reintroduction of rare animal species, along with the support of our partners-UNDP and the Kazakhstan Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity-creates a robust basis for future environmental initiatives and the country’s achievements in restoring the ecosystem and returning lost biodiversity," noted Daniyar Turgambayev, Chairman of the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Reintroduction is not only a process of transportation but also involves diligent post-relocation care and monitoring of the animals. The Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve aims to provide care and feeding for the transported kulans for the next six months before they are released into the wild. In addition, as part of this initiative, three kulans were tagged with telemetry to further study their behavior in the wild.
We are proud that Kazakhstan is becoming an example of successful reintroduction of species on the brink of extinction. It requires joint efforts and accountability from all participants in the process, and we are pleased to cooperate with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan to achieve our common goal-restoration and conservation of the country's unique biological diversity," said Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
By Government decision, Khoja Ahmed Yassawi's mausoleum been placed under state protection
Images | primeminister.kz
Museum-reserve "Aziret Sultan" from now on will be under state protection. The corresponding decree was signed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, primeminister.kz reports.
The famous historical monument mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui is the first Kazakhstani site included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and belongs to the unique monuments of medieval architecture.
Taking into account its significance and historical and cultural value, as well as in order to ensure its safety, the Government adopted a resolution to include the museum-reserve ‘Әziret Sultan’ in the list of objects subject to state protection.
According to the document, the security of the object will be ensured by the relevant departments of the internal affairs bodies.
As is known, the mausoleum was erected on the burial place of the Turkic poet and founder of the Sufi order of Yassawiya Khodja Ahmed Yassawi in the city of Turkestan.
The mausoleum consists of eight rooms, which are arranged around the central, largest in the complex hall Kazandyk.
In the period from 1385 to 1405, a complex of structures was built around the mausoleum and now the museum-reserve includes a mosque, palace halls big and small aksarai, a library (kitabkhana) and an economic complex, which includes a well house (kudukkhana), kitchen (askhana), living quarters (hujra) and others.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Acute respiratory viral infections on the rise in Kazakh capital
Images | unsplash.com
7,100 ARVI cases were recorded in the Kazakh capital over the past week that is 19.5% or 1.2 times more compared the same period of the previous year, deputy head of the Astana sanitary and epidemiological control department Zhanna Praliyeva told a briefing, Kazinform News Agency reports.
She said the results of the 37th week of laboratory research claimed that no flu or COVID-19 cases were detected in patients. It revealed non-influenza respiratory viruses, such as parainfluenza virus type 4 and mixed infection. 173 pregnant women, 3,709 children under 14 years old, and 255 babies under 12 months old were diagnosed with acute respiratory viral infection.
Flu vaccination of high-risk groups, including health workers, children, and elderly people began on September 18. The vaccination campaign is rolled out at 44 healthcare facilities. It takes 14 days after vaccination before an immune response develops and remains for around a year.
Zhanna Praliyeva urged all to wash their hands, cover their cough, minimize close contact with people who may have influenza, wear masks in public places, and avoid crowded places.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Astana hosts closing ceremony of 5th World Nomad Games
Images | worldnomadgames.kz
The closing ceremony of the 5th World Nomad Games featuring a musical performance and words of congratulations from World Ethnosport Confederation President Bilal Erdoğan and Kazakh Sport and Tourism Minister Yerbol Myrzabossynov took place in the Kazakh capital of Astana, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
World Ethnosport Confederation President Bilal Erdoğan shared that during the five days of the Games he had seen the performances of around 2,500 athletes from 89 countries. The World Nomad Games presented the history and worldview of nomads, a mixture of fascinating sport and entertaining show.
This historic organization demonstrates the world that Kazakhstan has big ambitions to institutionalize traditional sports around the world. Attracting attention on all levels, these historic games show our rich cultural heritage, as was witnessed by the opening ceremony, choice of places, sports facilities and cultural events in great detail. The World Nomad Games, held under FIPS rules, once again proved that our traditional sports are not simply competitions, he said.
Bilal Erdoğan highlighted that the Games are the means for establishing friendship, solidarity and brotherhood. Athletes brought together by the Games remind of the importance of collaboration and sharing a common culture.
For myself, the irreplaceable support of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in holding the Games became one of the key factors of such success. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the President and the entire team, that devoted itself to the holding of the Nomad Games. Each contributed to this sports festival as well as to the history, said Bilal Erdoğan.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan tops medal standings at end of 5th World Nomad Games
Images | worldnomadgames.kz
Team Kazakhstan added 25 more medals at the 5th World Nomad Games to bring their total medal count to 114, including 44 gold, 33 silver and 37 bronze ones, before the tournament wraps up, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Team Kazakhstan was represented by a total of 216 athletes in 21 sports at the 5th World Nomad Games.
On Day Six of the Games, Team Kazakhstan won 25 medals, including 11 gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals.
Today, Bakyt Tolay brought Team Kazakhstan a gold medal in the Zheti kut stage in the Tenge ilu event.
Kazakhstan’s eagle hunter Serikbek Kuntugan claimed gold in the Kusbegilik final.
Team Kazakhstan won two gold and two bronze medals in the Mangala (Turkish traditional intellectual game) event, with Kundyz Yessipkep claiming the women’s gold and Aigerim Kuanyshbekova - bronze. Bigali Zkiryayev claimed a gold medal in the men’s Mangala event and Azamat Kaidarov - a bronze medal.
Kazakhstan ended up with a silver medal in the Ordo event (Kyrgyz national game). Coming in first was Team Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan was placed third.
Kazakhstan swept the podium in the Kunan baige at the Games, with Amir Serik winning gold, Ansar Arysstanbek hauling silver and Dilnur Nurmukash settling for bronze.
Ansar Arysstanbek brought Team Kazakhstan a gold medal in the Alaman baige event. Coming in second was Khamza Amanfeldy of Kazakhstan. Kyrgyzstan’s Nurel Elessov was placed third.
Kazakhstan’s Serzhan Baktybay won gold in the Top Baige event. Arnat Muratkhan and Zhanbolat Marden of Kazahstan claimed second and third places, respectively.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.