Chinese Rhapsody

International Arts Festival “Astana Keshteri”

CHINESE RHAPSODY

 (Dedicated to the 120th anniversary of Chinese composer Xian Xinghai)

Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Please note that the age limit is 10+

Management reserves the right to substitute performers and works performed

The International Arts Festival “Astana Keshteri” opens its 14th season with a unique concert of Chinese music, dedicated to the 120th anniversary of Xian Xinghai – an outstanding composer and violinist, and one of the founders of modern Chinese music.

His life was marked by tragedy: in 1940, Xian Xinghai traveled from China to Moscow to record in a studio, but due to the outbreak of war with Nazi Germany, he was unable to return home. He spent four years in evacuation – first in Almaty, then in Kostanay – during which he composed many beautiful works, arranged Kazakh folk songs and formed a close friendship with Kazakh composer Bakhytzhan Baikadamov. Due to hardship and illness, Xian Xinghai passed away at the age of 40. Yet his music, his story and his love for Kazakh culture remain in our memory and our shared history.

The concert will feature Xian Xinghai’s most renowned works performed around the world – Chinese Rhapsody, the Yellow River Piano Concerto and Kazakh Dances, along with Kazakh folk music.

PERFORMERS:

Zhao Yunhong (soprano) – Professor at the China Conservatory of Music, teaches at many conservatories worldwide, leading performer in opera productions across many countries.

Wang Hanqing (baritone) – One of China’s leading vocalists, performing in opera and major state concerts.

Cai Nan (soprano) – Soloist of the China National Opera House, international competition laureate, and the first Asian student of the world-famous Montserrat Caballé.

Yang Haokun (piano) – Laureate of numerous international competitions, regularly tours in China and abroad.

State Trio of the Republic of Kazakhstan “FORTE TRIO”

Orchestra of the “Astana Opera” Theatre

Conductors: Ji Yujue (China), Ilya Bashkatov (Kazakhstan)

This is the most extensive and prestigious concert ever dedicated to Xian Xinghai. Chinese music is a rare guest in our concert halls – don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover a new melodic world and get to know a man with an extraordinary life story.

Tickets purchased at the State Opera and Ballet Theatre “Astana Opera” are subject to exchange and refund only in cases of cancellation or postponement of performances. In all other cases, no refunds or exchanges will be made