From Messiah to The Nutcracker: Sold-Out Houses and Thunderous Applause
Images | astanaopera.kz
The Astana Opera’s artists delighted the Dubai audience with their exceptional talent and professionalism during the company’s tour performances at the Dubai Opera. The tour of the capital’s opera house became not only a true cultural event, but also a landmark step in the advancement of Kazakh art abroad. The tour took place with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana Opera press office reports.
The magic of the Astana Opera’s performances at the Dubai Opera began even before the artists arrived. The sets and costumes of the stunningly beautiful production of The Nutcracker set off on a journey by sea, and even reached their destination before the performers. They became the first heralds of the beginning of a wonderful fairytale, enveloping the Dubai Opera in the atmosphere of a unique story ready to unfold onstage.
The tour program opened on December 13 at the suggestion of the Dubai Opera with the performance of Handel’s oratorio Messiah by the Dubai Festival Chorus and the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Rob Johnston. Messiah is considered a sublime music work, one of the best created in the Baroque era. The joint performance of the creative teams from the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan created a powerful emotional resonance, filling the hall with harmony and exultation. The creative collaboration between the two countries, highlighted by this project, was not only a musical triumph, but also a cultural bridge, connecting the art of Kazakhstan and UAE in a brilliant evening that left unforgettable memories for the audience.
I have worked with the Dubai Festival Chorus for a number of years now and it has been a great collaboration with the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra for this project of Handel’s Messiah. Putting this huge work together in such a short space of time is really challenging. And the orchestra has done fantastically well to really get to the grips with the stylistic way that I wanted them to play Handel. Music is a language, and it is a language of its own. So it doesn’t matter where in the world you come from, having that one common language of music brings us all together. Working with the orchestra from Kazakhstan, the chorus from Dubai, myself from the UK, it’s been a wonderful collaboration. And I hope to see more types of this collaboration, where choruses, orchestras, conductors from different parts of the world can come together to rejoice in music-making of such wonderful quality," Maestro Rob Johnston gave his assessment of the musicians’ performing skills.
Carina Otte from South Africa, who is living in Dubai, emphasized that the Astana Opera Orchestra is an international level team.
The symphony orchestra is absolutely magnificent. And I could see that every single member was very well prepared, and the conductor got the orchestra to be super enthusiastic, because his enthusiasm and passion shone through each and every member of the orchestra. The unity was as if it was one person playing, not an orchestra. It was one unit. But it was magnificent. I have heard Messiah before and today the performance was at the highest level. Beautiful!"
The baton of the tour performance was taken up by the ballet company, whose artistic director is world ballet star Altynai Asylmutarova. The dancers not only gave masterful performances over three days: an evening performance on December 15, matinee and evening performances on December 16 and 17, but also interacted with the audience, responding with numerous bows to the cries of "bravo". It is especially important to note the fact that the Astana Opera was able to convey the beauty and depth of its art even to those who came to view a ballet performance for the first time, discovering this incredible world of dance.
Tchaikovsky’s wonderful ballet The Nutcracker is staged all over the world. However, it is Yuri Grigorovich’s production that is considered the pinnacle staging. Since it is this legendary choreographer’s production that is included in the Astana Opera’s repertoire, the management of the Dubai Opera invited the Kazakh team to show this production on tour.
It was warmly received by the audience, leaving an indelible impression in their hearts. The skill of Kazakh principal dancers Aigerim Beketayeva, Madina Unerbayeva, Shugyla Adepkhan, Bakhtiyar Adamzhan, Yerkin Rakhmatullayev, Daniyar Zhumatayev, created an atmosphere of magic onstage. Thunderous applause filled the hall, indicating how powerful and moving the company’s performance was. It is worth noting that the performances received positive reviews in the local media.
I really enjoyed the choreography. It was a beautifully executed and beautifully performed production. And I think that the dancing was exquisite. The work of the corps de ballet and, of course, of the principal dancers was very strong. They are clearly well-prepared, with good schooling. Overall, based on this performance, it is easy to conclude that ballet in Kazakhstan is at a very high level. As for the design of the production, the costumes are very beautiful, and the lighting really complements the dancing and the costumes. The orchestra performance was beautiful acoustically, and the work of the Kazakh conductor was excellent, it’s been a wonderful experience," Terence Starr from London said.
I really liked the ballet. It is a really wonderful production, with incredible visual effects, especially the impression of the snow and the lightning onstage. I have seen The Nutcracker previously, but this production is created at a truly high level. I can see that a lot of work and effort was put into it. So I am really impressed with the stunning choreography and design," Reka Koszta from Hungary, who is living in Dubai, shared.
This is one of the best performances that I have ever seen. Everything is perfect! I was particularly impressed with the makeup, the choreography and the professionalism of Kazakh dancers. All the dancers are simply perfect! And they are so very young, but so good, demonstrating a very high international level. And I would love to see some more of the Astana Opera’s beautiful performances, come here more often," Provati Podder from Bangladesh, who has been living in Dubai for 20 years, said.
The Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Abzal Mukhitdin brilliantly conveyed expressiveness and depth of Tchaikovsky’s outstanding music. Incidentally, the Italian Maestro Giuseppe Acquaviva worked with the musicians more than once. Maestro Acquaviva is the opera house’s longstanding partner, who has repeatedly helped organize foreign tours. These include tours to Italy, Spain, Oman and other countries.
We have implemented many projects. When I came to the Astana Opera for the first time, I was invited to work on the ballet Romeo and Juliet. I was the artistic director of the Teatro Carlo Felice and immediately realized that the two opera houses should, of course, begin to collaborate. This became my main goal. We have truly done many things together. However, in my opinion, one of the very important tours was the performance of the opera Abai in Italy, as well as the ballets Spartacus, Notre Dame de Paris, Swan Lake at the opera house in Genoa. Now the tour to the Dubai Opera has become another step towards expanding the tour geography of the capital’s opera house," Giuseppe Acquaviva emphasized.
The Astana Opera’s recent performances at the Dubai Opera showcased exceptional artistic quality, with a focus on the ballet company and orchestra. From the presentation of Handel’s Messiah in collaboration with the Dubai Festival Chorus, uniting singers of diverse backgrounds in a celebration of classical repertoire, to the mesmerizing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, the performances inspired and captivated our audience.
These endeavors not only highlighted the universal language of music and dance but also emphasized the importance of promoting classic repertoire and establishing traditions. The collaboration with local talent, such as the Dubai Festival Chorus, showcased the rich tapestry of artistic expression from around the world. We are excited to build on these successes, fostering a love for the arts and creating lasting traditions, such as the annual performance of The Nutcracker, to enrich the cultural landscape of our community at the Dubai Opera. We are also grateful to the Astana Opera for their contribution to this artistic endeavor and look forward to more inspiring performances in the future," Dr. Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera, said.
It is important to note that there was a full house on all the days of the Kazakh company’s performances at the Dubai Opera’s main hall, designed for 2,000 seats. Moreover, the excitement around the tour performances of the capital’s opera house was so great that it could not accommodate everyone who wanted to attend.
Dubai provided a truly warm welcome, from the hot weather: +30 degrees, to the endless applause for the Kazakh company. Such a high rating from the audience confirms the outstanding talent and professionalism of the Astana Opera’s artists, as well as its ability to unite different cultures through the language of art.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Acute respiratory viral infections on the rise in Kazakh capital
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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.
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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.
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Kazakhstan tops medal standings at end of 5th World Nomad Games
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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.
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