Kazak art blossoms in Beijing

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Establishment of Sino-Kazakhstan Diplomatic Relations. A China Culture Festival was staged in Kazakhstan last September, now our neighbor has returned the salute.

On Monday at Beijing's Haidian Theatre, it was a Kazakstan culture night, offering up a feast of some authentic Kazak arts.

A chamber orchestra harmonized western and Kazak musical instruments, like the dombra and Kobyz. There were folk songs and operas; traditional dances and ballet. The complex showcase of Kazakh culture and art, revealed a decidedly Western influence but the distinctive local culture shone through.

Ak Zhauin, the state chamber orchestra of the Kazakh Ministry of Culture, Information and Sports headlined the evening gala.

Seken Turysbek, a Dombra master and conductor of Ak Zhauin, has a 50 year bond with China.

Seken Turysbek said, "I visited China in 1957. I'm very excited to come here after a half century! I hope the Chinese audience will love Kazak art and we will have more opportunities to exchange our cultures."

A cultural cooperation agreement was signed in 1992 when the two countries forged the diplomatic bond. Since then, nearly a hundred delegations pertaining to culture, art and sports have traveled each way to foster bilateral relations.

Actually many Kazak artists come to China for their studies. To express their sincere appreciation for China's hospitality and aid, Gulzira, as their representative, sings a well known Chinese song in the Chinese language.

Gulzira Bokykan, singer, said, "This event is a proof of the two countries' friendship. We came here to present the essence of our culture and art. It is a culture known for the rich fruit of its music. I spent 10 years in China and I regard her as my second home. Today's performance is my homage to China. "

The Kazak artists will head for Huhhot to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at the end of their China tour.