The week’s been busy and long, so it’s a relief that April’s second weekend brings a diverse array of events to enjoy. Those of you in Astana are lucky to choose between a Turkish contemporary art exhibition, a lecture on graphic novels by Ruslan Salakhutdinov, and — for a change of pace — a basketball game. Or you can make it to all three and even treat yourself to a hilarious play at Gorky Drama Theater on Sunday; the events don’t overlap.
In Almaty, on the other hand, the choice must be made. This Saturday night, a play based on The White Ship by Chinghiz Aitmatov collides with a musical program by Kazakh award-winning opera diva Zarina Altynbayeva. Though, you might still make it to a jazz and funk concert by Gaukhar Sattarova and STEPS at 10. Casual art enthusiasts can enjoy an immersive exhibition of works by Gustav Klimt and René Magritte.
Discover these and more events in the compilation by QazMonitor below.
Astana
Astana-Samara basketball game (VTB United League)
Around a month ago Astana lost to Samara at the Palace of Sport in the southwestern Russian city on the Volga. The Sunday bout will be the final for Astana within the VTB United League 2023/2024 season as the team failed to qualify for the playoffs. Despite the loss streak, will the Kazakh team show teeth and defeat their opponents? There’s a great way to find out and support the team live.
Date: April 14, 3:00 p.m.
Address: Saryarka Cycling Track, Kabanbay Batyr Avenue 45A
Entrance: ₸1,500– ₸3,000 (as of April 11, $3.35–$6.70
CYCLE exhibition
Three Turkish contemporary fine artists Halil Petuck, Onur Mansiz and Mete Erdogan will share their vision of the world in CYCLE exhibition at Kulanshi Art Space. The installation welcomes you to enjoy the intricate aesthetics and energy of the works at your own pace.
Date: April 13, doors open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Address: Kulanshi Art Space, Dostyk Street 8/1
Entrance: Free
The Divas (Примадонны) play
Divas is a hilarious story about two English Shakespearean actors Leo and Jack. Being down on their luck and financially desperate, they hear about an elderly lady from a nearby town who is about to die and leave her fortune to her long-lost nephews. The two decide to build a relationship with the lady to receive the inheritance. And that’s where the two meet unhoped for hurdles.
NOTE: The play is in Russian, 16+ event
Date: April 14, 6:00 p.m.
Address: Gorky Russian Drama Theater, Zheltoksan Street 11
Entrance: ₸4,000 ($8.93)
Lecture + artist talk: graphic novel, not comics
Ruslan Salakhutdinov is an artist and art history teacher who presented his works in Kazakhstan, Russia, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Ruslan will discuss the structure and features of graphic novels and their differences from comics and their overall phenomenon. The visitors will also have an opportunity to learn about Ruslan’s experience in working on and publishing his Aurora graphic novel.
NOTE: The lecture will be in Russian. Please DM the Concept Art page to sign up.
Date: April 13, 7:00 p.m.
Address: Concept Art lecture hall, Kerey and Zhanibek Khans Street 5, entrance 3, office 23, 2nd floor
Entrance: ₸3,000 ($6.70)
Almaty
The White Ship (Aq Keme)
Based on the work of illustrious Kyrgyz writer Chinghiz Aitmatov, The White Ship delves into questions and problems encountered by young people. It reflects concepts of entering a new life, overcoming obstacles, connection to the family and relationships between children and their parents. Gabit Musrepov Theater presents its version of this legendary work voicing the joys and sorrows of the world through the eyes of a child.
NOTE: The play is staged in Kazakh.
Date: April 13, 6:30 p.m.
Address: Gabit Musrepov Theater, Abylai Khan Avenue 38,
Entrance: ₸600 ($1.34)
Zarina Altynbaeva’s Tango Operático: Lírica del Alma (Opera Tango: Lyrics of the Soul)
Zarina Altynbaeva is a Kazakh opera diva. The award-winning soprano is actively touring, performing on the stages of world opera houses in Italy, Japan, Georgia, Russia and other countries. In the musical program Tango Operático: Lírica del Alma, Altynbaeva will perform the most famous arias, as well as fiery songs from Spain, Argentina and Brazil. The evening will be accompanied by the world-famous accordion virtuoso Aydar Gaynullin, with whom the singer performed the program on the stages of Berlin and Riga.
Date: April 13, 7:00 p.m.
Address: Zhambyl Kazakh State Philarmonic, Kaldayakov Street 35
Entrance: ₸9,000–₸15,000 ($20.09–$33.49)
Gustav Klimt and René Magritte Immersive Multimedia Exhibition
The Lumiere Hall projection museum will unite ‘the master of the golden brush’ Gustav Klimt and enigmatic surrealist René Magritte, featuring over 150 paintings by the two artists on large high-definition screens. Accompanied by music, the interactive experience invites viewers to learn more about the artists themselves and the stories behind their paintings.
NOTE: Discounts available for children, students, and seniors.
Date: until June 5, open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Address: Lumiere Hall, Al-Farabi Avenue 13
Entrance: ₸4,500 ($10.05)
Gaukhar Sattarova and STEPS Hot Jazz and Funk
Head to Ever Jazz Club in Almaty this Saturday night to delight in raging funk and fast-paced jazz melodies performed by Gaukhar Sattarova and STEPS band. Over 20 years in the game and numerous collabs with music artists worldwide, STEPS have developed their authentic take on the genres. This Saturday night promises to be adventurous and elevated by Gaukhar’s signature raspy rock vocals, backed by a tight and tasteful funk groove.
Date: April 13, 10:00 p.m.
Address: Ever Jazz Club, Zenkova Street 24
Entrance: ₸2,000–6,000 ($4.46–$13.39)
