A special evening that deepened cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Japan took place in the Grand Hall of the Zhambyl Kazakh State Philharmonic.

Before the concert, representatives of the Japan Committee for International Cultural Exchange held a traditional tea ceremony in the foyer of the Philharmonic, showcasing an important element of their national culture. They also conducted a master class on Shogi — a traditional Japanese chess game. In addition, an ensemble performing on the shamisen, a three-stringed Japanese instrument, captivated the audience with their performance, allowing guests to gain a closer insight into Japanese culture.

The concert, organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Embassy of Japan in Kazakhstan, featured the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Kazakhstan named after T. Abdrashev, conducted by laureate of international and national competitions Kuanysh Ismailov.

Japanese artists also took the stage, demonstrating the distinctive sound and artistry of Japanese music. Among them were Kodai Minoda (shamisen), Mayuko Katsumura (violin), Kazuhiro Miyamura (oboe), Mitsukuni Tsujimoto (trumpet), and Tasaitira Mochizuki (tsuzumi drum).

The concert program included notable works such as the First Movement of the Violin Concerto by Gaziza Zhubanova, Poem by S. Yudakov, Fusuikyo by Wada, and the Trumpet Concerto by A. Arutiunian. Special attention was drawn to Ballad for oboe and orchestra by H. Oguri and Prayer and Games in the Beam of Light for oboe, tsuzumi, and orchestra by H. Hoshina.

This cultural event, through the universal language of music, showcased the spiritual closeness between the two nations and further strengthened the enduring bridge of friendship.

 

Press Service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan