ASTANA – Enjoy the weekend with a mix of ballet, theater, exhibitions and live music. From classical performances to familiar film soundtracks, The Astana Times editorial team has curated a list of events you can attend with friends and family.

Photo credit: Fatima Kemelova/ The Astana Times
Astana
“Carmen Suite and Arcana of Fate” ballet, Nov. 7
Two ballet productions bring together different stories and choreographic styles. The first follows the passionate and freedom-loving Carmen through music by Georges Bizet and Rodion Shchedrin, while the second offers another perspective on contemporary ballet.

“Carmen Suite.” Photo credit: Astana Ballet.
Venue: Astana Opera; Tickets are available here. 1 Konayev Street. Tickets are available here.
“Otyrar – Turkistan: Medieval Irrigation and Agricultural Culture” exhibition, Nov. 7-8
Discover the history of medieval agriculture and water management in the Otyrar and Turkistan regions. The exhibition features archaeological finds, farming tools, irrigation systems, historical maps and other materials that show how communities managed water and cultivated land centuries ago.

Photo credit: Wikipedia
Venue: National Museum of Kazakhstan; Tickets are available here.
Best of Ne Prosto Pop concert, Nov. 8
Popular hits from the 2000s return in new arrangements performed by a symphony orchestra and choir. The programme brings together familiar songs and energetic performances, turning the evening into a musical journey through the biggest pop hits of the decade.

Photo credit: ticketon.kz
Venue: Qazaqconcert; 10/1 Mangilik El Avenue. Tickets are available here.
Argentine Tango concert, Nov. 7
Enjoy an evening of passionate melodies inspired by Argentine tango and South American music. The programme includes works by Astor Piazzolla and other composers, performed by soloists and the Astana Opera Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Ruslan Baimurzin.

Photo credit: ultimatetango.com
Venue: Astana Opera; 1 Konayev Street. Tickets are available here.
Almaty
“Giselle” ballet, Nov. 7
Adolphe Adam’s romantic ballet tells the story of a young village girl who falls in love with a nobleman hiding his true identity. Blending romance, drama and classical choreography, the production explores love, betrayal and forgiveness.

Photo credit: Astana Ballet press service.
Venue: Abay Opera and Ballet Theater; Tickets are available here.
“Hollywood Soundtracks” concert, Nov. 8
Recognizable melodies from well-known films come to life in a live performance by a chamber ensemble. The programme includes music from Titanic, Pirates of the Caribbean, Interstellar, The Lord of the Rings and other popular films, offering an evening of memorable cinematic music.

Photo credit: Shutterstock
Venue: Smart Space; 280 Baizakov Street. Tickets are available here.
“Frida” performance, Nov. 7
This theatrical performance explores the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, looking beyond her familiar image to reveal a woman who experienced pain, love and personal struggles while developing her distinctive artistic voice. Through music, dance and storytelling, the production presents a different perspective on the artist’s life and legacy.

Photo credit: alejandradeargos.com
Venue: Interius Theater; 38 Rishat and Muslim Abdullin Street. Tickets are available here.