Ovations for Kazakh musicians at Austria's biggest folklore festival

Villach, August 4-6, 2023 - On the initiative of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Austria and with the support of the administration of the Zhambyl region, the artists of the folklore ensemble "Alatau" of the Zhambyl Regional Philharmonic, named after K. Azerbayev, performed at the largest Austrian traditional festival “Villacher Kirchtag”.

Sophisticated audiences from Austria, Italy and Slovenia enthusiastically welcomed the works of Kazakh composers, masterfully performed on such national instruments as the dombyra, kobyz, zhetygen, sazsyrnai, etc.

A special gift from the Kazakh musicians, who are celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Philharmonic this year, were the compositions of Abai as part of the forthcoming anniversary of the great Kazakh poet.

Ensemble “Alatau” took part in a series of concerts in the main square of Villach and in a parade of traditional costumes with more than 70 groups from the Alps-Adriatic region. Folklore, music and the colourful costumes of the international participants created an unforgettable and colourful spectacle.

The traditional 78th Villacher Kirchtag, held from 30 July to 6 August, attracted more than 300,000 visitors this year.