As part of the Nauryznama celebrations, Astana Opera will present a festive programme Kuimen Kelgen Korisu. Taking place on 14 March at the Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall, the evening will feature the opera house’s soloists alongside guest instrumentalists.
The concert’s stage director, Yerenbak Toikenov, noted that Korisu Kuni (Greeting Day) is celebrated annually at Astana Opera with great ceremony.
“Korisu Kuni, one of the Kazakh people’s ancient traditions, is seen as the beginning of Nauryz. One of my first projects as a stage director at Astana Opera was a concert dedicated to this day. I remember staging a large-scale performance in the opera house plaza; as people greeted one another and celebrated the arrival of spring, Qydyr Ata appeared to offer his blessing. Guests then moved inside to enjoy a programme showcasing Kazakh rites such as tusaukeser (cutting the fetters) and syrgha salu (the putting on of earrings). The event culminated in a festive concert at the Grand Hall featuring the company’s leading stars,” Toikenov recalled.
The stage director also explained profound significance of the day.
“As the name Korisu suggests, this holiday dates back to antiquity, when our ancestors – having safely weathered the winter – would reunite with loved ones after a long separation. I am certain that even in the digital age, this tradition will never lose its relevance; it encourages us to perform acts of kindness and show compassion toward one another. The arrival of spring naturally lifts the spirits, bringing a fresh sense of momentum and inspiration to our creative work,” Toikenov remarked, offering his heartfelt congratulations and wishing prosperity, unity, and health to every family.
In developing the concept for the upcoming concert, Toikenov aimed to immerse the audience in the history and spiritual significance of Korisu Kuni, capturing the essence of a true folk celebration.
“The architecture of our Chamber Hall evokes a Kazakh yurt, so we intend to design the stage to reflect this. This vision will be brought to life using baskur (woven bands) created by the renowned Italian set designer Ezio Frigerio for our national operas, complemented by vibrant sets, props, and projections by Honoured Workers of Kazakhstan, Sofya Tasmagambetova and Pavel Dragunov. We will also demonstrate the besikke salu (cradle) ceremony and other traditions on stage. Our goal is to celebrate and honour Kazakh customs, providing the audience with a truly unique festive atmosphere,” the stage director explained.
The concert will showcase a distinguished ensemble of the opera house’s soloists, including Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Aigul Niyazova, Saltanat Muratbekova, Assem Sembina, Madina Islamova, Nazym Sagintay, Yelena Ganzha, Leila Alamanova, Guldana Aldadossova, Sayan Issin, Sultan Bakytzhan, Alikhan Zeinolla. They will be joined by Honoured Artist of Kazakhstan Galiya Baigazinova, Sara Sadygulova, Mansiya Yestekova, Dilnaz Omarkhanova, Serik Abdulla, Kelis Akhmetbekov, Ayan Tolegen, Bekulan Yerbolatuly, and guest performers.
Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Raushan Beskembirova will provide the piano accompaniment. Together with the soloists, she will perform arias and duets from Kazakh opera, alongside folk songs such as ‘Dedimai-au’, ‘Moldabaidyn Ani’, and ‘Gulderaiym’. The inclusion of traditional instruments – the qobyz, dombyra, and zhetigen – will lend the programme a unique cultural resonance, illustrating how the Korisu celebration preserves a rich spiritual heritage while embracing a contemporary sound.
The performance begins at 5pm.
