The Astana Opera hosted performances of the national opera "Appak – the Kipchak Daughter" by composers Serikzhan and Alibi Abdinurov. The production premiered on October 3 and 4.
Among the guests were renowned figures from the international cultural scene, including Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director of the Swiss jewelry house Chopard, and Moscow-based music critic and art historian Alexander Matusevich.
Caroline Scheufele praised the theater building, its acoustics, music, and orchestral performance. This was her first visit to the Astana Opera.
The opera "Appak – the Kipchak Daughter" is based on a libretto by Tleugazy Beysembek, based on a drama by Gabit Musrepov. The plot revolves around the love story of the Kipchak beauty Appak and the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi. Through the heroine's fate, the production explores themes of national memory, spiritual fortitude, love, and the value of peace.
The opera's world premiere took place in May 2026, marking the 35th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence. The production took over a year to complete. The orchestration utilizes Kazakh and Azerbaijani national instruments.
The director was Mikhail Pandzhavidze, and the musical director was Abzal Mukhitdin. Yerbolat Akhmedyarov conducted the production.
The interest in the production from foreign guests and professional critics demonstrates that Kazakhstan's national opera is becoming a prominent part of the international cultural dialogue. "Appak – Daughter of the Kipchak" combines historical plot, musical tradition, and a contemporary theatrical interpretation, presenting Kazakhstani art to a wider audience.