Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater, named after Abai Kunanbaev

Location: Kabanbai Batyr Street, 110.

What’s interesting about it?

It is the first Kazakh opera and ballet theater. The hallmark of the theater is the opera “Abai” by Akhmet Zhubanov and Latif Hamidi. The classic ballet “Swan Lake” is also staged here. The theater regularly hosts performers and ballet troupes from different parts of the world.

The theater is famous for its brilliant cast, talented musicians, conductors, and directors. Over the years of its existence, unique vocal and dancing talents have appeared here, including Kurmanbek Dzhandarbekov, Garifulla Kurmangaliev, Shara Zhienkulova, Nurzhamal Usenbaeva, Mayra Mukhamed-kyzy, Alexander Seleznev, Ramazan Bapov, Gulzhan Tutkibaeva, Leila Alpieva, Doszhan Tabyldy and others.

How did it appear?

This theater was created in 1933, and in 1941 it received its building, which is an architectural monument nowadays. The main artistic solutions and decor of the building were preserved and supplemented with modern finishing materials. Distinctive elements include additions to the stucco molding of the second-floor foyer and auditorium, which include ornamentation reminiscent of the Golden Man's costume decorations. Very diverse and rich elements of Kazakh folk art are also embodied in the design of other theater interiors.

How to visit?

The theater season opens in the fall and ends in the spring. There are 789 auditorium seats, and every year, about 200 ballet and opera performances are staged here, attracting more than 70,000 spectators.