"Culture and art are important spheres in the life of the country. Art is the soul of the nation, and culture is its spiritual appearance. Together, they form the core of our civilization. Our common duty is to preserve and enhance them." This was stated by the President of Kazakhstan, congratulating workers of culture and art on their professional holiday.

In recent years, the cultural life of Kazakhstan has been experiencing a real renaissance. One of the main centers of this revival has become the Astana Opera Theater, delighting audiences with unique productions. In an exclusive interview, the director of the theater, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Galym Akhmedyarov, spoke about the latest achievements in the field of culture, the role of the state in supporting art, training new personnel and popularizing Kazakh culture abroad.

-Galym Algievich, in your opinion, has the situation with the development of culture and art in Kazakhstan changed recently?

In recent years, the sphere of culture and art in Kazakhstan has overcome significant changes aimed at modernizing and strengthening national identity. The President of Kazakhstan pays great attention to the development of this industry, which is expressed in various state initiatives. On the example of our Astana Opera Theater, it is noticeable that our repertoire is replenished annually with national productions. Performances are staged by outstanding directors, conductors, choreographers and set designers. If we talk about the most ambitious projects, then grandiose tours are inscribed in the chronicle of our theater – a world tour of five countries: the USA (New York), Canada (Toronto), France (Paris), Belgium (Antwerp) and the Netherlands (Rotterdam). In all these cities, the performances of our artists were accompanied by great success.

The ballet troupe has repeatedly toured in Italy, Spain, China, Russia and many other countries. In a short time, the Astana Opera Theater has become a real cultural brand of Kazakhstan and has gained well-deserved international authority. We continue to hold this high creative bar. And with each new season, the artists do everything to ensure that the theater remains an invaluable legacy to the future generation.

In general, annually under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, subordinate institutions hold hundreds of thousands of different cultural events, which, of course, indicates a good pace of development of this sphere. But it is obvious that the most anticipated event of this year is the Nomad Games, which will be held in the capital in September this year.

-What attention is paid to the sphere of culture by the state?

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Kemelevich Tokayev has repeatedly emphasized the importance of culture and art for the development of the country. All his instructions are aimed at preserving and popularizing cultural heritage. Therefore, today projects are being implemented that support and develop national traditions and, of course, contemporary art of Kazakhstan. In one of his interviews, the Head of State noted: “Modernization does not mean abandoning one's past for the sake of new values. In fact, it is the preservation and enrichment of the national heritage with the best modern achievements of mankind. And here we cannot do without the ideas of Abai. After all, more than a century ago, the great thinker called on the nation to “modernize, renew, told us about the need to adapt to the requirements of the time”.

As for cultural workers, of course, they feel the support of the state through certain subsidies designed for the budgetary spheres.

-And how are things in Kazakhstan with the training of personnel for the development of culture? Are there enough professional competitions?

In Kazakhstan, considerable attention is paid to this issue. Specialized universities operate in the country: Kazakh National University of Arts, Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, Kazakh National Conservatory named after Kurmangazy, Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after T. K. Zhurgenov. There are also numerous colleges and art schools where young talents receive professional education. It is important to emphasize that the International Opera Academy operates on the basis of the Astana Opera. Its activities have become known far beyond the borders of our country in a short time. Listeners of our academy take an active part in republican and international vocal competitions, and regularly become winners of these prestigious competitions.

We need to understand that in the modern world the conditions are different and the goal is different - to reach the international level and keep the bar high. It is today that theaters and cultural institutions are motivated by this, such increased requirements for the skills of young artists and musicians, yesterday's graduates. We all need to be competitive. The thought is simple, but it is very difficult to assimilate it at the level of consciousness, because it means work, work, constant work: forward and upward. Let us recall Roerich, who wrote: “Man has been climbing the mountain since birth. The higher he climbs, the farther he sees. And so on to infinity. Any point is just the beginning.”

As for competitions, this is, of course, an important aspect that allows young talents to declare themselves. Many such events are held in Kazakhstan. But I would like to emphasize the International Music Festival “Operalia”, which starts on the stage of the Astana Opera on May 31. Come, choose your favorite event, each of them will be attended by invited artists – stars of the opera and ballet stage.

-Which direction in the sphere of culture, in your opinion, has received the greatest development?

In my opinion, all spheres of culture are moving on the path of development. I especially note the art of cinema. Kazakh films are becoming participants and winners of international film festivals, this is due to state support, the emergence of new talented directors and actors. In addition, dramatic art is developing at a great pace, the posters of Kazakh theaters are actively replenished with new titles, and, moreover, premieres are held at a very high level.

Of course, opera and ballet – complex genres of musical theater – are also worthily represented. The country operates the Astana Opera, KazNTOB named after Abai, Astana Ballet, Shymkent City Opera and Ballet Theater, and each team contributes to the development of Kazakh art.

-I would like to hear your opinion on the popularization of culture and art of Kazakhstan abroad.

Kazakhstan is actively working to popularize its culture. Exhibitions, concerts and festivals are held, which present Kazakh artists, artists, musicians and writers. One example is Kazakhstan's participation in the Venice Biennale, where works by Kazakh artists were presented. A significant role in popularizing Kazakh culture is played by well-known personalities on the international stage, such as conductor Alan Buribayev and world ballet star Bakhtiyar Adamzhan. Their successes contribute to increasing interest in Kazakhstan and its cultural heritage. In general, the sphere of culture and art in Kazakhstan is developing thanks to the improvement of the educational system and active international activity. It is important to continue this work in order to preserve and enhance our achievements, as well as strengthen the country's position on the world stage.