The Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abay is an important cultural center not only in Kazakhstan, but also in the whole world.  The theater team demonstrated a high level of skill and successful implementation of their creative plans.

In honor of the 90th anniversary of the theater's foundation, two significant programs were presented: the opera "Abai" and the concert "Evening of Symphonic and Vocal Music". In addition, the events held on the stage are dedicated to the theater's anniversary.

One of the significant achievements was the successful conduct of the theater's tour in the city of Turkestan, where bright and popular performances were presented. Among them, the opera "Kyz Zhibek", symbolizing the richness of Kazakh musical culture, as well as the ballet "Discovering Bach" and "Bolero" demonstrating the virtuosity of dance performers.

In 2024, special attention was attracted by the updated production of the ballet "La Sylphide", which took place on June 8 and 9. The ballet presented in a new interpretation allowed to reveal ballet and choreographic traditions in a modern interpretation. Master classes conducted by Ulyana Lopatkina, prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre, as well as with Akram Khan, a famous British choreographer, provided a unique opportunity for the young dancers of the theatre. 

The soloists of the opera and ballet troupe of the theatre have achieved significant success in international competitions, winning awards and recognition at such prestigious platforms as the Grand Prix Nadezhda in Moscow. Bogdan Verbovoy became the laureate of the first prize, Akyl Zhuas the third prize at the international competition.And at the IX International Bulbul Vocalists Competition in Baku, Maksat Samatov was awarded the 2nd prize, and Nurgalym Amanbay was awarded at the Operalia 2024 Placido Domingo Competition in Mumbai.

At the same time, the successes at the International Vocalists Competition of Nurzhamal Usenbayeva confirmed the talent of Kazakhstani singers: Baluan Berkenov won the 2nd prize, and Nurgalym Amanbay won the 3rd prize. And at the international ballet competition "Budapest Ballet Grand Prix" in Budapest, the brilliant performance of the artists was highly appreciated by the international jury. The leading soloist of the ballet Bogdan Verbovoy became the laureate of the first prize and Arisa Hashimoto was awarded the special prize "Special recognition award".

And for the 100th anniversary of the People's Artist of the USSR Sydyk Mukhamedzhanov and the 130th anniversary of the great writer Saken Seifullin, the opera "Zhumbak kyz" was presented, which reflected the rich musical and dramatic style of the composer. Also in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Honored Worker of Kazakhstan and Honored Artist of Russia Renat Salavatov, the opera "Iolanta" was presented, which became another bright event in the cultural life.

On November 29, 30 and December 1, the theater will present the world premiere of the opera "Khan Sultan". The events of the opera unfold during the formation of the "Golden Horde" - the largest state of the Middle Ages. The main character of the opera is Khan Sultan. She is also one of the outstanding rulers of the Golden Horde.

These achievements once again emphasize the high level of training of the artists of the Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abay, as well as their contribution to the development of world music and ballet culture.

gov.kz

translated by Qazalem