Concert Dedicated to the Nativity of Christ Held in Almaty

On January 14, 2025, a traditional concert dedicated to the Nativity of Christ was held in the concert hall of the Zhambyl Kazakh State Philharmonic in Almaty. The event was organized with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.

The concert program featured performances by the choir of the Metropolitan District (conducted by Honored Artist of Russia Oleg Ovchinnikov, with choirmaster Viktoria Dudareva), the Central Sunday School of Almaty at St. Nicholas Cathedral (directed by Galina Cherepanova, laureate of the Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov) Award), the “Aspang” choreographic ensemble of Gymnasium No. 83 in Almaty (directed by Sholpan Kuandykova), the award-winning children’s choir “Kokek” (conducted by Natalia Marchenko, with accompanist Chakim Yerkebulan), and the T. Abdrashev State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Kazakhstan (conducted by Erbolat Akhmedyarov, laureate of international competitions and Honored Worker of Kazakhstan). Soloists of the Metropolitan Choir, including Sofiyana Blagodarnaya, Roza Bakbergenova (Distinguished Cultural Worker of Kazakhstan), and Evgeny Shagarov, also took part.

The program included works by classical and contemporary composers, sacred hymns, symphonic pieces, operatic arias, traditional Christmas carols, and folk songs.

Opening the festive event, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan greeted the attendees with warm congratulations on the Nativity of Christ and the New Year. His Eminence also extended heartfelt congratulations to the Philharmonic leadership on the 90th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s oldest musical institution.

The event was attended by Bishops Gennady of Kaskelen (Administrator of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan), Claudian of Taldykorgan, and Benjamin of Talgar; Abbess Lyubov (Yakushkina) of the Iveron-Seraphim Women’s Monastery in Almaty, along with the sisters of the monastery; and clergy and parishioners from churches in the southern capital.

Special guests included Dmitry A. Turaev, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Almaty, accompanied by his wife, as well as public figures, representatives of the creative intelligentsia, and leaders of ethnocultural associations.