The Student Choir Chapel of the Kazakh National University of Arts named after Kulyash Baiseitova, under the direction of the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, Master of Conducting Batyrzhan Smakov, held an inspiring concert tour in Rome, Italy.
The choir performed in several historical venues of ancient Rome:
— May 3, 2025 at Chiesa Sacro Cuore di Gesù in Prati, Lungotevere Prati 12, Rome;
— May 4, 2025 at Teatro Ghione, Via delle Fornaci 37, Rome;
— May 7, 2025 at Chiesa Santa Maria del Carmine alle Tre Cannelle, Via del Carmine 4, Rome;
— May 8, 2025 at Basilica di Sant’Antonio in Laterano, Via Merulana 124, Rome.
The grand concert program “Grande Steppa” featured “Missa Secundum in Onorem Beati Caroli” by Lorenzo Perosi, works by renowned Kazakh composers Gaziza Zhubanova and Erkegali Rakhmadiyev, as well as modern arrangements of traditional Kazakh folk songs.
In addition to the choir, conductor and countertenor Batyrzhan Smakov performed solo pieces as part of the concerts.
The choir’s performances drew over a thousand attendees in total, including not only Italian audiences but also Kazakh nationals living and studying in Italy, along with fans of the legendary Dimash Qudaibergen — a distinguished alumnus of KazNUI.
The concerts were honored by the presence of His Excellency Yerbolat Sembayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Italy; His Excellency Timur Primbetov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Vatican; and other representatives of Kazakhstan’s diplomatic corps in Italy.
The concert on May 8, 2025 held special significance as it coincided with the historic election of the new Pope.
The audience received the performances with deep warmth, gratitude, and admiration. Spectators repeatedly called the choir back for encores, praising its high professional level, rich tonal and timbral palette, the complexity of its repertoire, and the soulful, emotionally resonant sound of its choral performance.
The concerts of the Student Choir Chapel, led by Batyrzhan Smakov, became a vivid example of cultural exchange and left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Conductor of the KazNUI Student Choir Chapel, Master of Conducting and Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy Batyrzhan Amangeldinovich Smakov; Head of the Conducting Department of KazNUI, PhD in Philosophy and Associate Professor Gulnara Bolatovna Argingazinova; and the choir singers all expressed their gratitude for the unique atmosphere of Rome and the warm welcome and comprehensive support extended by:
— The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Italy, Malta, and San Marino;
— The Embassy of Kazakhstan in the Vatican;
— The Kazakh National University of Arts named after Kulyash Baiseitova;
— Rector of AIMART Academy, Mrs. Edda Silvestri (Italy, Rome);
— Sponsors of the tour: Global Business Women Council and Solidcore Resources.
