The exciting concert Dialogues of Strings and Keys will take place at the Astana Opera’s Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall on 26 April, supported by the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan. This evening, symphonic masterpieces by classical giants Beethoven and Brahms will be presented in a unique interpretation by musicians of international calibre.
Guest soloists taking part in the programme include cellist Saniya Durkeyeva, who holds Master of Arts degrees from the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory and the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste; pianist Assel Abilseitova, a Master of Arts graduate of the Musik-Akademie Basel; and Japanese violinist Ayano Kimura, a Master of Arts from the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste.
Saniya Durkeyeva and Assel Abilseitova have performed at the Astana Opera on several occasions, while this concert marks the Kazakhstan debut of Ayano Kimura. These musicians of international standard share a close artistic partnership, having performed together as a chamber trio in Switzerland since 2024. Last year, the ensemble was awarded first prize at the prestigious Fanny Mendelssohn International Competition in the Chamber Music category.
“Assel and I met by chance in Switzerland in 2024 through social media. She had previously studied in Basel before moving to Zurich. We have been friends and musical partners ever since, and have already performed several programmes together. I first met Ayano through a chamber music project at the Zurich University of the Arts. We now perform together frequently as a trio, having given our debut concert two years ago,” says cellist Saniya Durkeyeva (Zurich).
Saniya Durkeyeva has long wished to perform symphonic masterpieces of Ludwig van Beethoven and Johannes Brahms for the Kazakh audience.
“Performing Beethoven’s Triple Concerto has been a longstanding dream of mine. I studied the score in depth during the pandemic in 2020. Since last year, I had been looking for an opportunity to perform it with an orchestra and suggested the idea to my colleagues in the trio,” shared guest soloist Saniya Durkeyeva.
“The Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano in C major and the Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor are cornerstones of the classical repertoire. Originally, we intended to perform only the Beethoven. It is such a large-scale work that it can easily anchor an entire evening. Typically, a shorter chamber piece is added to the programme. As we were planning a concert in two halves, we realised there are few other works for this specific line-up of such magnitude. It was then that my colleague, Ayano Kimura, suggested including the Brahms, and I was delighted to agree. It is a particular favourite of mine, and I have long wished to perform it with an orchestra. I must admit, I never imagined combining two such monumental works in a single concert – it is an ambitious undertaking. The programme is complex and demanding, but words cannot describe the joy we feel in performing these masterpieces,” the cellist emphasised.
The musician expressed her sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan and the opera house’s management for their support and for the opportunity to return to the Astana Opera stage.
“In 2019, I performed at this opera house alongside my mentor, the renowned Swiss cellist and Professor at the Zurich University of the Arts, Orfeo Mandozzi. Together with the Astana Opera Chamber Orchestra, we performed concertos for two cellos by Romberg and Klengel. I have unforgettable memories of the orchestra’s exceptional musicianship, the incredible acoustics of the Chamber Hall, and the warm reception from the capital’s audience. I can say with confidence that the Astana Opera Orchestra comprises the finest musicians in Kazakhstan. I must also mention the conductor Yerbolat Akhmedyarov, with whom I have collaborated previously. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with such a wonderful Maestro once again,” said Saniya Durkeyeva.
The performances will be accompanied by the opera house’s symphony orchestra under the baton of Yerbolat Akhmedyarov, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan.
“The works of Beethoven and Brahms have been performed in the capital on many occasions. Nevertheless, the upcoming concert will be of equal interest to the public and professional musicians alike, as it offers an opportunity to hear these masterpieces through the unique lens of our guest soloists and to compare the nuances of their interpretation. This evening, the primary dialogue will unfold between the soloists, while the orchestra provides a grand accompaniment to present the artists. I am certain that this programme will further strengthen the audience’s passion for classical music,” concluded Maestro Yerbolat Akhmedyarov.
The Astana Opera’s conductor emphasised that the concertos of both Beethoven and Brahms demand the highest professional standards from the soloists and orchestra alike. He expressed his confidence that the depth and character of both works will be fully conveyed during this musical evening.
In this way, the Astana Opera remains steadfast in its support of talented young musicians and international prize-winners, whose artistry continues to enhance the country’s prestige on the world stage.
The concert will begin at 6pm.
