The upcoming weekend will bring both snowfalls and a diverse array of events. In Astana, the capital's audience can enjoy a lecture on the legendary storyteller Hayao Miyazaki and his captivating works. Meanwhile, the Almaty crowd has a chance to experience one of the first Soviet rock operas and join a party that brings together talented female DJs, blending music with the important cause of raising awareness about domestic violence.
Discover this and more events in the digest by QazMonitor below.
Astana
Lecture on occupational burnout by Psychologist Irina Yussupova
A phenomenon known all too well, occupational burnout has caught off guard many people. The feeling of exhaustion from one’s job poses a challenge to a person’s physical and mental health and it needs to be properly addressed. During the lecture, Psychologist Irina Yussupova will discuss exercises that can be applied to support both your work team and yourself.
NOTE: The lecture will be conducted in Russian.
Date: December 23, 3:30 p.m.
Address: Human Rights Hub, Kenesary Street 8, offices 1405, 1407, 14th floor
Entrance: Free
"The Wondrous World of Hayao Miyazaki" lecture by Japanologist Medina Kumisbek
Hayao Miyazaki is a name that turns heads with its sheer gravitas. Over four decades, the master has played off wondrous curiosities in his works. Reclusive wizards? Check. Witches for hire and intelligent lights? You got it! Japanologist Medina Kumisbek will open the door to catch a glimpse of the world of moving castles and rattling old-timey airplanes.
NOTE: The lecture will be conducted in Russian.
Date: December 24, 2:30 p.m.
Address: Concept Art lecture hall, Kerey and Zhanibek Khans Street 5, office 23, 2nd floor
Entrance: ₸3,000
"Un Amore Cosi Grande" concert by The Four Italian Tenors
Brilliant, outstanding, and enchanting are words that aptly characterize The Four Italian Tenors. Their upcoming concert features the most famous arias and canzoni napoletane—Neapolitan songs serenading love. This evening will seamlessly combine wit and charm, bringing together elements of romanticism and dramatic flair in one stylish mix.
Date: December 24, 6:00 p.m.
Address: Astana Concert Hall, Kenesary Street 32
Entrance: ₸4,500–₸25,000
Almaty
Juno and Avos rock opera by Alexey Rybnikov
As traveler Nikolai Rezanov set sail for the coasts of California, driven by a deep sense of duty to his country, little did he know that his tale would not unfold as that of another great explorer but rather as the tragic hero of a love story.
Date: December 22, 7:00 p.m.
Address: Abay Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater, Kabanbay Batyr Street 110
Entrance: ₸1,500–₸4,500
Danceimmersion performance
The Danceimmersion is a blend of dance performance and documentary, where the viewer is free to move around the set. In fact, it is the viewer who connects dance sequences and explores interrelationships between the performers, creating a truly immersive live performance.
Date: December 23, 5:00 p.m.
Address: Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture, Zheltoksan Street 137
Entrance: ₸4,000
Don't Be a D*** party
An eclectic showcase of diverse musical realms. Female DJs experimenting with sound, ambient tones, and rhythms. Everything from Akkujava’s energetic house beats, perfect for a warm summer evening ambiance, to Ainura Mei’s soundscapes, giving that city fix with chill vibes and slick beats.
This event is more just about music; it's a platform organized to support women in Kazakhstan and raise awareness about sexualized and domestic violence in the country. All proceeds from the event will be donated to initiatives supporting victims of domestic and sexualized violence.
Date: December 23
4:00 p.m. – Nagima (dir. Zhanna Issabayeva) screening
7:00 p.m. – Open discussion on feminist activism in Kazakhstan with Zhanar Sekerbayeva and Gulzada Serzhan
8:30 p.m. – Concert
Address: Bult night club, Gagarin Avenue 83
Entrance: ₸1,000–₸3,000