ASTANA – EXPO 2017 may have passed its halfway point, but there are still numerous opportunities to enjoy the exhibition. A rich cultural programme of concerts and theatre performances in August and early September awaits capital residents and visitors, offering everyone a chance to get the most out of the expo.
Limp Bizkit fans should mark Aug. 12 on their calendars, as their favourite band will arrive in Kazakhstan to perform their popular hits at the Saryarka Cycle Track. Tickets are still available, with prices ranging from 10,000 tenge (US$30) to 28,000 tenge (US$85).
Italian music star Eros Ramazzotti will give a concert Aug. 19 at the same venue. Tickets are available for 6,000 tenge (US$18.20) up to 28,000 tenge (US$85).
A world class MTV concert is scheduled Aug. 18 at the expo amphitheatre. Headlining the open-air show will be Akon, John Newman, R3wire & Varski, the Nova Twins and Kele Le Roc. Visitors need only purchase an expo ticket to enjoy the great show.
The event is a unique one for Kazakhstan, as MTV International will be making its first visit to the Central Asian country. The concert will be streamed live on all MTV international channels.
Jazz fans are welcome to enjoy Jazzia 2017, an international festival slated for Aug. 15-17 at Energy Hall. World-famous music groups including East Drive Band, Bill Evans Quartet, Shai Maestro Trio, Billy Cobham Band, Lee Ritenour Band and Marcus Miller, are ready to rock the stage. Tickets are 1,000 tenge (US$3) and visitors will also need to purchase an entrance ticket to the expo.
Classic art lovers will appreciate the cultural programme, as the Kurmangazy State Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments continues its concert series. Founded in 1934 by famous Kazakh composer Akhmet Zhubanov, the orchestra led by talented young conductor Arman Zhudebayev will present The Songs of the Great Steppe. Tickets for the Aug. 13 programme can be purchased for 1,000 tenge (US$3) up to 3,000 tenge (US$9).
The musicians will also perform Aug. 14-15 at Ethno Aul complex. Entrance is free of charge.
Capital residents and visitors have yet another opportunity to witness a bright collaboration of talented musicians from the State Woodwind Quintet, whose concert is scheduled for Aug. 15 at the Astana Opera House. The performance will feature compositions pertaining to different styles and epochs. Tickets are 2,000 tenge (US$6) and a very small number remain.
The London Contemporary Orchestra will visit the city Aug. 12 to present Under the Skin: Live in collaboration with Kazakh musicians at the Kazakhstan Concert Hall. The concert will present soundtracks composed by Mica Levi.
The movie was not distributed in Kazakhstan, so it is a chance to experience harmonic orchestra tones led by British conductor and violist Robert Ames. Ticket prices range from 2,000 tenge (US$6) to 5,000 tenge (US$15).
The capital will also welcome soloists, the chorus and symphony orchestra of the world-renowned La Scala. Members of the opera company visited the city in 2014 to participate in Astana Day celebrations.
Giuseppe Verdi’s comic opera “Falstaff” is scheduled for Sept. 1, 4, 6 and 8, followed by Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 on Sept. 7 and 9. Tickets are available from 1,000 tenge (US$3) to 30,000 tenge (US$91).
All tickets may be purchased online at tickets.expo2017astana.com or at official ticket offices.
