One of the grand architectural masterpieces of the new left bank of the Ishim River -
The "Kazakhstan" Central Concert Hall is a unique architectural and spiritual site in the city of Astana. The building, which has a rich history, impresses with its beauty and grandeur: its classical Soviet monumental style has given way to an advanced bioclimatic avant-garde, which instantly attracts the attention of every passerby at the crossroads of the new administrative center near the majestic Baiterek Monument and the famous Water-Green Nurzhol Boulevard.
The construction of this unique center, officially opened on December 16, 2009, on the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was carried out with the support of the state, becoming a clear confirmation of care for developing the potential of the younger generation and art masters in the republic, which is emphasized by its strategic location near the majestic Presidential Residence – Akorda.
This complex serves as the main methodical and creative core of the country's musical and performing arts system, coordinating all concert work on a republican scale. Through the functioning of such a legendary institution, an example of openness and respect for world and national cultural traditions is demonstrated.
The light glass facades of the complex perfectly complement the ultra-modern look of the government district. The building is located near the House of Ministries, and its windows offer a view of the right bank of the Ishim River, the Presidential Park, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, through which one can study the newest history of the capital. At these points on both sides of the river, two different eras harmoniously intertwine.
The building occupies a central place in the cultural landscape, being located in a convenient transport and pedestrian corridor near the picturesque Linear Park and the futuristic building of the Kazmedia Center. The historical heritage is carefully preserved here. The administration connects the educational and concert center with the main walking areas. It naturally neighbors the nearby recreational spaces of the Ishim River Embankment, where every visitor can find their guiding star.
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How to get there and visit -
The "Kazakhstan" Central Concert Hall (on the basis of which the "Qazaqconcert" State Concert Organization named after Roza Baglanova operates) is located at the address: 10/1 Mangilik El Avenue, left bank of the Ishim River, Yesil district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°07'21"N 71°26'30"E
The transport accessibility of the site is ideal. City buses No. 12, 15, 15A, 18, 19, 21, 28, 30, 32, 35, 40, 46, 47, 50, 51, 52, 54, 56, 60, 61, 70 go to the nearest stop "Qazaqconcert named after R. Baglanova".
Free parking zones are provided for drivers along Mangilik El Avenue and the adjacent Dostyk Street. Also, to get to the concert complex, you can use taxi services via a special mobile application.
Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 19:00, ticket offices operate on the days of events until the start of concerts, lunch break in the administrative block is from 13:00 to 14:30.
Contacts:
Reception and information service: +7 7172 70 53 02 – qabyldaubolimi@qazaqconcert.kz
Concert hall rental: +7 7172 70 52 41 – okz@qazaqconcert.kz
Marketing Department: +7 7172 70 53 31 – info@qazaqconcert.kz
Chancellery: +7 7172 70 53 11 - kense@qazaqconcert.kz
Entrance to the foyer during open exhibitions is free. Reviewing the billboard is free of charge, and visiting the main halls and watching shows is done by tickets, subject to order.
https://qazaqconcert.kz/
https://www.instagram.com/astana_musical
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History
The history of the creation of the Central Concert Hall began in the mid-2000s, when the young capital was actively developing the left bank. The idea of creating a unique, incomparable complex was put forward by the head of state. The design was entrusted to Manfredi Nicoletti, one of the most famous Italian architects in the world. For a provincial town rapidly turning into a megacity, the construction of an avant-garde giant worth 120 million euros became a grand event, giving citizens true freedom of choice.
The grand opening of the CCH took place on December 16, 2009, with the participation of Elbasy N. A. Nazarbayev. With the acquisition of capital status, the significance of the complex increased. Since 2016, the country's largest concert organization, "Qazaqconcert", has been based here, which was later named after the great Soviet and Kazakh opera singer, People's Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roza Baglanova.
Over the decades of work, teachers, directors, and artists have nurtured thousands of talents who have glorified Kazakhstan in the global community. Having abandoned the burden of unified mandatory requirements, the masters lead concert programs according to unique authorial concepts, using the flawless acoustic properties of the halls. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, about a hundred mass events a year took place on this stage. Today, this center is proud of a living success story that continues to open the way to friendship and creativity for the younger generation.
Information
The "Kazakhstan" CCH, popularly given the poetic nicknames "Desert Flower" and "Cabbage", is a multifunctional educational and concert space with a total area of 55,000 sq.m. Within the structure of the complex, ideal conditions have been created for the intellectual, aesthetic, and spiritual growth of each visitor. A wide choice of musical art directions is available to spectators. The "Academy of Soloists" State Chamber Orchestra, the "Forte trio", the "Astana Sazy" ensemble, and the legendary "Gulder" collective carry out their activities on the basis of the center.
For the intellectual development of the public, large-scale presentations, congresses, and exhibitions are held in the gigantic hall with an area of 3,000 sq.m featuring panoramic elevators. The professional team ensures an individual approach to the organization of each performance, helping young performers know the taste of first victories and find their guiding star. The complex is fully equipped with modern materials, musical instruments, and advanced sound equipment to ensure a complete educational and concert process.
Detailed description of the object
The creative and technical infrastructure of the concert complex includes specialized zones and halls:
• Main concert hall – a unique bowl with 3,500 seats, divided into 4 sectors (a balcony with 1,804 seats, a dress circle with 543 seats, a stalls area with 488 seats, and a gallery with 396 seats), where stage mastery is born.
• Chamber hall – a specialized, cozy venue with 250–400 seats, possessing brilliant acoustic characteristics, intended for jazz evenings, one-man shows, and anniversaries of artists.
• Conference hall – a multifunctional room with 200 seats, used primarily for holding masterclasses, lectures, trainings, and international seminars.
• Stage complex – a two-part stage with an area of 274 sq.m featuring an orchestra pit 4.5 meters deep, a front zone for musicians, and a rear part with 7 choral tiers up to 1.75 meters high.
• Studio block – professional music and recording studios, restaurants, bars, and trendy shops located in the huge multilevel atrium of the building.
Architecture
The architectural appearance of the "Kazakhstan" CCH represents a masterpiece of world avant-gardism, whose silhouette evokes the dynamism of flower petals, a sailboat, or a yurt. The outer structure contains a series of curved inclined concrete walls faced with glass panels of sky-blue and blue-green color, protecting the interiors from harsh weather conditions.
A unique world-class acoustic effect is achieved due to the finishing of the atrium with a special wood. The floor is laid with a special parquet with an acoustic slope. The acoustic system includes an American "Renkus-Heinz" sound cluster with a capacity of 25 kilowatts, 12 front speakers, 22 acoustic drapery panels shaped like flower petals, and special hanging curtains capable of visually reducing the hall to 2,000 seats. A wide-format cinema screen measuring 14x8 meters with Blue Ray format support is also installed.
Legend
Among the artists and employees of the complex lives an old legend about the "Guiding Star": they say that on the opening day of the complex in December 2009, an invisible spark of inspiration lit up under the dome of its atrium, and every performer who sincerely gives their soul to the stage within these walls is sure to find their true calling and world fame, comparable to the fame of the Sydney Opera House.
Another legend is connected with the name of Roza Baglanova: they believe that the spirit of the great singer protects the unique wooden sound-distributing petals, helping young vocalists find a strong creative voice, giving them absolute confidence on stage and victories in the most difficult international competitions.
Conclusion
The "Kazakhstan" CCH named after Roza Baglanova is a bridge between the glorious past of traditional musical art and the innovative future of Kazakhstan. A visit to this memorial center of creativity allows one to feel the spirit of continuity and care that surrounds the younger generation of creators.
Thanks to its location near the Akorda Residence, the Baiterek Monument, and the Water-Green Boulevard, the concert hall remains the main landmark for family and cultural leisure on the left bank. Tourist routes invite everyone to come here to be inspired by the energy of youth and creation.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• Nazarbayev Center;
• Triathlon Park;
• Round Square;
• Lovers Park;
• Abu Nasr Al-Farabi Mosque;
• Baurzhan Momyshuly Park.
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