Rhythms of Brazil to be held at Astana Opera’s Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall
The engrossing concert Rhythms of Brazil will be held at Astana Opera’s Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall on August 24. The talented singer and guitarist Polina Khanym, known not only in Kazakhstan, but also far beyond its borders, will play the central role, El.kz cites astanaopera.kz.
Wonderful musicians will take the stage together with her: a saxophonist, laureate of international and national competitions, a graduate of the Jazz and Contemporary Music Department at Roosevelt University in Chicago, USA, as well as a graduate of Conservatorio di Musica Egidio Romualdo Duni in Matera, Italy (2012-13) Akzhol Issin, and percussionist, master of percussion instruments, who gives special rhythmic texture to each performance, Dmitriy Staroverov.
Polina Khanym performs more than 100 songs in 10 languages, including Kazakh, Russian, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Ukrainian, and Arabic. Her repertoire includes art songs, bard songs, songs from Soviet films, Brazilian bossa nova, jazz standards and Kazakh folk songs in her own arrangement. She is recognized as one of the best young performers of art songs in the CIS, and her music video for Abai’s song “Kozimnin Qarasi” with views of Astana are especially loved by Kazakhstanis.
“Bossa nova is not often performed in Kazakhstan. This concert is one of the rare opportunities to hear Brazilian music in its authentic form, to the accompaniment of an acoustic guitar, in the purest Portuguese. (I collaborate a lot with the Brazilian Embassy and have repeatedly been complimented on the lack of an accent.) During the concert, I will talk about the history of the genre, share interesting facts and the content of the songs. Many people think that they know nothing about bossa nova. However, after the concert, you will understand that Brazilian music is much closer and more understandable than one might think. We included in the program signature works and most recognizable songs. Through them it is easy to understand the history and features of the genre,” Polina Khanym noted. “Previously, I performed at Astana Opera’s Chamber Hall together with the Ambassador of Portugal to Kazakhstan Maria de Fátima Mendes. We performed Portuguese fado. The Chamber Hall is ideal for performing bossa nova because it was originally a quiet salon music that was performed in close circles among intellectuals – poets, writers, artists and composers in Rio. Only after a while did it gain worldwide popularity in wide circles and enter the big stage venues.”
As a reminder, in 2019 Polina Khanym (Tyrina) became a member of Konstantin Meladze’s team on The Voice television show, and in 2021 represented Kazakhstan at the Sharjah Heritage International Festival in the UAE. The end of 20]23 was marked for Polina with the release of the single Qazaq Bossa Nova, which included three well-known bossa nova standards translated into Kazakh. This project was successfully presented in the capital of Brazil in February 2024.
That same evening, viewers will be able to enjoy exquisite melodies and virtuoso performances, as well as feel the atmosphere of distant and fiery Brazil. Perhaps, some listeners may be discovering genres such as bossa nova and samba for the first time. These are two distinct genres of music, both native to Brazil, but with their own unique characteristics and history. Bossa nova originated in the late 1950s in Brazil. It is a mixture of samba and jazz, known for its soft, relaxed rhythms and melodies. The musician often uses acoustic guitar in her performances, sometimes with jazz chords. Samba has more ancient roots, going back to African traditions brought by slaves to Brazil. It developed at the end of 19th – beginning of 20th century. It is energetic and rhythmic music with an emphasis on percussion instruments, such as drums and shakers. Samba is also associated with dancing and carnivals.
Thus, the rich program includes Insensatez by Antônio Carlos Jobim. This melancholy bossa nova about sadness and heartbreak is one of the classic examples of the genre. This remarkable composer is also represented by other works, such as Fotografia, a tender and romantic composition that celebrates moments of happiness captured in photography. The legendary song that became a symbol of bossa nova – Garota de Ipanema, talks about beauty and transience of life. The musical evening will also feature one of the most famous bossa nova works symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of spring, filled with poetic imagery – Aguas de Marco.
The work of the famous Brazilian guitarist and composer Luiz Bonfá will be represented by the melodic and touching song Manha de Carnaval, which has become one of the hallmarks of the bossa nova genre. It will be followed up with a fun and cheerful composition by Marcos and Paulo Sérgio Valle Samba de Verão. It conveys the atmosphere of a summer holiday. Certainly, the program will not be complete without the composition of Roberto Menescal and Ronaldo Bôscoli O Barquinho – a light and romantic song about a sea voyage on a small boat.
Many will discover the world of bossa nova and samba for the first time, but these genres will certainly make the audience feel real passion and emotions, give unforgettable impressions and joy that Polina Khanym and her wonderful team will bring with them.
The concert starts at 7 PM.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel and be the first to know the news!