09 September 2013 | 10:57

16th retro-festival Almaty - My First Love

Dariga Nazarbayeva and Akhmetzhan Yessimov opened the music ring of the festival. Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©

16th retro-festival Almaty - My First Love was held at the ski-jump complex on September 7. The fest opened with Kazakh national Karazhorga dance than smoothly transitioned to the Gangnam style. The festival’s inspirer Majilis deputy Dariga Nazarbayeva gave the welcoming speech at the festival. She was followed by Almaty Akim (Mayor) Akhmetzhan Yessimov. After the speech the mayor traditionally played a piano piece.

Nazarbayeva said that 1,800 singers, dancers and walk-ons, as well as 1,500 directors and editors were taking part in this year’s festival. The annual music fest was held in the ‘battle’ style. The ‘Music Ring’ saw Aigul Babayeva and Nagima Yeskaliyeva, Roza Rymbayeva and Ali Okapov, Gani Kassymov and Tolkyn Zabirova, Dariga Nazarbayeva and Turetsky Choir, Dilnaz Akhmadiyeva and Marsel, Kadyrali Bolmanov and The Jigits, Assel Sadvakassova and Anel Arinova, Dos-Mukasan and Ayumi, Kirill Li and Dilani faced each other.

Sandra and Natalie, as well as Army of Lovers and E-type were the headliners of the concert. The program also included dozens of performances by dancers, circus and ballet artists. Laser and projection shows were part of the festival for the first time.

The festival was hosted by Nagima Yeskaliyeva and Sagnai Abdullin followed by Makpal Issabekova and Aleksey Shakhmatov.