Singapore, January 26, 2026: The elegance of ballet met the spirit of diplomacy as the Abay Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre made its Singapore debut with three unforgettable nights of performance from January 23 to 25 at the University Cultural Centre.
For the first time, Singapore audiences were treated to a tour de force of classical ballet, delivered by Kazakhstan’s oldest and most prestigious cultural institution. Founded in 1934 and named after iconic Kazakh poet Abay Kunanbayev, the Abay Theatre has become a symbol of Kazakhstan’s national heritage and its evolving global cultural identity.
A Performance of Two Halves
The company presented a two-part programme showcasing the depth of its repertoire and talent. The first half, titled Classical Ballet Masterpieces, featured excerpts from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Herman Løvenskiold’s La Sylphide, and Ludwig Minkus’ Don Quixote. Each piece offered a glimpse into the emotive and technical brilliance of classical ballet, performed with the refinement and flair that have become synonymous with the Abay name.
The lyrical Adagio from Swan Lake transported audiences into a world of eternal love and fragile beauty, while La Sylphide, one of the oldest surviving ballets, unfolded a haunting Romantic tale of a man lured by a mystical sylph. The energy then soared with Don Quixote, bursting with Spanish passion, dazzling footwork, and vibrant character dances — a celebration of love and life through dance.
Carmen’s Fire
The second half of the evening introduced the audience to the fiery intensity of Carmen Suite, a one-act ballet choreographed by Alberto Alonso and set to Rodion Shchedrin’s bold reinterpretation of Georges Bizet’s music. Based on Prosper Mérimée’s novella, this visceral performance explored the fierce independence, passion, and tragic fate of Carmen, drawing cheers for its dramatic choreography and searing emotional pace.
The ballet’s lead soloists — many of them Honored Artists of Kazakhstan and winners of international competitions — commanded the stage with extraordinary presence and skill, infusing classical forms with emotional urgency and Kazakh flair.
Diplomacy Through Dance
While the event was a showcase of ballet excellence, it also served as a meaningful gesture of cultural diplomacy between Singapore and Kazakhstan. In its social media tribute, the Abay Theatre described the performance as “a celebration of the strong and growing friendship between Kazakhstan and Singapore.” With diplomatic ties dating back to 1993, the two countries have shared deepening bonds through trade, education, and cultural exchanges.
The timing of the performance was significant — coinciding with Kazakhstan’s 35th year of independence in 2026 — making the event not only a celebration of the arts but also a statement of national pride. “The Abay Theatre’s visit symbolises both cultural diplomacy and a tribute to heritage,” the company shared. “It invites Singapore audiences to share in a milestone that honours Kazakhstan’s traditions and its international friendships.”
Distinguished Guests and Rare Moments
The opening night was graced by dignitaries including the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Singapore Askar Kuttykadam, the Speaker of Singapore’s Parliament, and ambassadors from several other countries. Their attendance highlighted the broader importance of the event as a platform for people-to-people and nation-to-nation connection.
For Singapore, where such performances from Central Asia are a rarity, the Abay Theatre’s visit offered a rare cultural experience. “This is more than ballet,” said a member of the local arts community. “It’s a window into a part of the world that shares a rich heritage with deep Russian roots and a proud national identity.”
Legacy and Vision
Based in Almaty, the Abay Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre has built a global reputation by blending the rigorous traditions of Russian ballet with Kazakh national themes and modern interpretations. Its iconic building, a blend of Stalinist empire style and intricate Kazakh ornamentation, is as much a landmark as the works it stages.
Over the decades, legendary choreographers such as Yuri Grigorovich and Boris Eifman have collaborated with the company, further elevating its profile. Its homegrown productions — including Kazakhstan’s first national ballet Qalqaman and Mamyr and the celebrated opera Abai — continue to shape the country’s performing arts scene.
As the curtain fell on their final night in Singapore, the dancers of the Abay Theatre were met with thunderous applause. For many in the audience, it was a night of firsts: the first time experiencing the poetry of the Kazakh steppe expressed through the language of ballet, and perhaps the first time seeing how art can quietly bridge nations and celebrate shared humanity.
The Abay Theatre’s landmark tour to Singapore not only strengthened cultural ties between the two nations but also affirmed the enduring power of performance to transcend borders, languages, and histories — leaving audiences touched by beauty and inspired by a legacy almost a century in the making.
