Astana Opera Stages Puccini’s Famous ‘Madame Butterfly’
ASTANA – One of Giacomo Puccini’s greatest operas, “Madame Butterfly,” was staged at the Astana Opera April 15-16 within the framework of the Year of Italian Culture in Kazakhstan. The opera tells the story of young Japanese geisha Cio-Cio-San, also known as Madame Butterfly, who decided to change her traditions and beliefs in order to…
Deputy PM Nazarbayeva Briefed on Transition to Academic Freedom
ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Dariga Nazarbayeva, while recently visiting social objects of the capital city, commented on the transition of universities to academic freedom. Nazarbayeva visited Saken Seifullin Agro-Technical University, where she met professors of educational institutions located in Astana and discussed international accreditation issues, as well as employment opportunities for graduates. “The…
Vivaldi’s Masterpieces to be Performed at Astana Opera
The masterpieces of great Venetian composer, conductor and violinist Antonio Vivaldi will be performed in the Baroque Hall of the Astana Opera Theatre on March 29. The concert is organised as part of the Music Salon programme, which has recently gained big popularity in Astana. “The success of the Eight Seasons of the Year music…
Economy Minister Discusses Oil Sector with Parliament, Says Petrol Prices Stable
Minister of National Economy Yerbolat Dossayev addressed the state of the country’s oil sector in remarks to Parliament, saying petrol prices in the country are stable. “Indeed, after the deregulation, the AI-92 gas price hasn’t been reduced. However, in light of the transition to a free-floating exchange rate of the tenge, the price didn’t go…
Minister of Agriculture Proposes Measures to Protect Domestic Market
ASTANA – The Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) held Nov. 9 a governmental hour on the topic of improving the efficiency of subsidisation in the agricultural complex. Minister of Agriculture Assylzhan Mamytbekov declared the need to strengthen measures of protecting the internal market. “We consider deregulating prices for food necessary. Unfortunately, today we force agricultural…
Kazakh Singer Wins Second Place in International Contest
ASTANA – Kazakh singer Ademi recently captured second place and the Audience Award at the international contest New Wave in Sochi, Russia. This year the competition attracted 15 finalists from Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Ukraine, Switzerland and Russia. Kazakhstan was represented by Dinara Kairova, also known by her stage name…
EAEU Bank Chiefs Discuss Currency Policy in the Region
ASTANA – An advisory board on the monetary policy of the central banks of Customs Union and Single Economic Space member states recently reviewed the economic situations in those countries, the TASS Russian News Agency reported Sept. 26. Representatives of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) states met at the educational and research centre of Armenia’s Central…
Private Investment in National Housing Savings Bank Won’t Hurt Existing Depositors, Says Bank
ASTANA – New private investment in the Housing Construction Savings Bank of Kazakhstan will not negatively impact the existing deposits of Kazakh citizens, the bank announced in a recent press release. “The bank will only benefit after a new partner appears. It is about new investments, additional injections, newer technology and information technology services. Meanwhile,…
Energy Ministry Decreases Five-Year Oil Production Forecast
The Kazakh Ministry of Energy has decreased its oil production forecast through 2020 by 11.5 percent. The new forecast has production reaching 92 million tonnes in 2020. “Oil production will reach 77 million tonnes in 2016 and 92 million tonnes in 2020, which is less than the amount of 3.8 million tonnes and 12 million…
