On May 19, the “Spring of Veterans” creative festival was held at the Y. Rakhmadiev State Academic Philharmonic. The event featured performers aged 61 to 75. Participants included the “Esil Tolqyndary” folk ensemble, the “Beryozka” and “Ademi” vocal groups, dance ensembles such as “Zhalyn,” “Kyzdarai,” “Magic of Waltz,” “Aelita,” the “Daididai” performance group, and solo performers.
The festival aimed to enhance the skills of creative groups formed by talented retirees in Astana, promote cultural and aesthetic values among the older generation, inspire youth, and promote active aging.
More than 200 senior performers from the districts of Almaty, Baikonyr, Saryarka, Nura, Esil, and Sarayshyq took part in the event. The gala concert featured the best acts selected during the district-level auditions held on May 14-15 at the branches of the Civic Society Support Center.
The event was organized within the framework of the Astana City Akimat’s “Active Longevity for 2025-2029” initiative and was dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory and the 30th Anniversary of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The program included patriotic songs, folk compositions, and works by local poets and composers.
Songs performed included “Beu Aidai,” “Zhas Kazakh,” “Kara Kempir,” “Victory,” “Ballad About Mother,” “Thoughts About Father,” and the traditional kui “Balbyrauyn.” Dance performances such as “Echo of War” and “Waltz of the Frontline Nurse” were also presented to the audience.
Festival organizers recognized outstanding performers in categories such as “Best Choir Ensemble,” “Best Stage Performance,” “Original Composition,” “Best Vocal Group,” “Best Dance Group,” “For Creative Inspiration,” “Best Solo Performer,” and others.
According to the jury, the winners were:
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Best Choir Ensemble – “Esil Tolqyndary” Folk Ensemble (Esil District);
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Best Stage Performance – “Zhalyn” Dance Group (Baikonyr District);
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Best Vocal Group – “Beryozka” Vocal Ensemble (Almaty District);
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Best Dance Group – “Magic of Waltz” (Saryarka District);
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Audience Choice – “Kyzdarai” (Nura District) and “Aelita” (Almaty District) Dance Groups;
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Best Pop Composition – “Sagynysh Sazy” Ensemble (Esil District);
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For Preserving National Values – “Daididai” Performance Group (Sarayshyq District);
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Original Composition – Bibizhamal Sultanova, soloist of the “Shyrka Gitara” Club (Esil District);
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For Preserving National Traditions – “Qazyna” Ensemble (Esil District);
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“Dreams Come True” Award – “Ademi” Ensemble (Almaty District);
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Best Solo Performer – Rauza Nabiullina (Saryarka District);
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For Creative Inspiration – Torebek Abdirazak Takiruly (Baikonyr District);
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Best Performers – Gulbarshyn Mataeva, soloist of “Ademi” Ensemble (Almaty District) and Umitzhan Smailkyzy, soloist of “Daididai” Group (Sarayshyq District).
