Days of Culture of Kazakhstan bring together the arts of two countries in Paris

Kazakh Minister of Culture and Information Arman Kyrykbayev met with French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard as part of the Days of Culture of Kazakhstan in France, El.kz reports citing the press service of the ministry.

The parties discussed priority areas for further cooperation. Arman Kyrykbayev noted the dynamic development of Kazakhstan–France cooperation in the field of culture.

During the meeting, the Minister reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to facilitate the expansion of cooperation between cultural institutions.

Catherine Pégard, in turn, expressed interest in developing joint projects. The parties also discussed training programmes, professional internships and reciprocal master classes for specialists from the two countries.

In addition, during his working visit to France, Arman Kyrykbayev met with President and Director of the Louvre Christophe Leribault. The parties discussed the possibility of organising an exhibition of works from the Louvre’s collections in Kazakhstan, as well as the implementation of other joint museum projects.

The programme of the Days of Culture of Kazakhstan in France also included Days of Kazakh Cinemaand a round-table discussion entitled “Kazakhstan – France: From Cultural Dialogue to Joint Projects,” held at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. The highlight of the programme was a gala concert featuring leading Kazakh artists at the Théâtre Marigny in Paris.

Opening the concert, Arman Kyrykbayev noted the consistent development of Kazakhstan–France relations and emphasised the special role of culture in bringing the two peoples closer together.

“Today, relations between Kazakhstan and France are developing dynamically in the spirit of an enhanced strategic partnership. The 2024 state visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to France, and the 2023 visit of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, to Kazakhstan, gave fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation. I am confident that today’s gala concert will become another important step towards strengthening friendship between our peoples,” the Minister said.

The gala concert introduced the French audience to the richness and diversity of Kazakh musical and choreographic traditions.

The programme featured traditional Kazakh songs and kui instrumental compositions, as well as contemporary works. Performers included Alisher Karimov, Zarina Altynbayeva, Yernar Sadyrbay (Amre), Eldar Saparaev, Rasul Zharmagambetov, Farhat Kubiyev, Nazym Sagyntai, Astana Ballet Theatre, the HasSak Ethno-Folklore Ensemble, and Mezzo. Musical accompaniment was provided by the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Orchestra of Folk Instruments.