On the eve of Abai Day, a cultural evening dedicated to the legacy of the great poet and educator was held in Almaty. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
On an open-air stage, thousands of spectators watched the documentary film "Algashky kitap" and then took part in a musical-poetic and concert program.
The film "Algashky kitap"
The documentary film "Algashky kitap", made with the support of the State Center for Support of National Cinema of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, tells the story of the publication of the first collection of Abai's works.
The docudrama tells the fate of the poet's first book, published in 1909 in St. Petersburg by Ilyas Boragansky's publishing house. The authors tell how Abai's works were collected and prepared for publication, who participated in the book's publication, why it was published in St. Petersburg, and what difficulties were encountered on the way to its publication.
Musical and poetic program
After the screening, a musical and poetic program organized by the Almaty Culture Department took place. The performance featured Talgat Kuzembayev, Lidiya Kadenova, Yerlan Bilyal, Darkhan Suleimenov, Asan Mazhit, Dinara Kemelkhan, Yerden Zhaksibek, the group "Alashuly" and the Choral Chapel.
Almaty Summer Fest festival
The evening continued with the Almaty Summer Fest festival. Songs and poems by Abai were performed by Makpal Zhunusova, Zhanar Dugalova, Askhat Targyn, Nurlan Berdibayev, Serik Isakhan, Ayarai, Birzhan Demeuuly, Nurtore, Magsoul, groups KeshYou, 6ellucci, quartet IL Canto and other artists.
Finale under the open sky
The evening ended with a joint performance of Abai's songs under the open sky — more than a thousand spectators joined the artists.