Kazakhstan’s oldest ballet company made its Singapore debut at the NUS University Cultural Centre, presenting a three-day programme that highlighted cultural diplomacy and growing people-to-people ties between Kazakhstan and Singapore
Singapore audiences witnessed a significant cultural milestone as the Abay Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre concluded its first-ever season in the city from 23 to 25 January 2026. Performed at the NUS University Cultural Centre, the programme featured Masterpieces of Classical Ballet alongside the dramatic Carmen Suite, offering a rare introduction to Kazakhstan’s ballet tradition on a Singapore stage.
The performances were organised with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Singapore as part of its cultural initiatives commemorating the 35th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence. The season underscored the role of the arts in fostering cross-cultural understanding, presenting ballet not only as performance but as a form of dialogue between nations.
The opening night drew a distinguished audience, including Seah Kian Peng, Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, accompanied by his spouse, alongside members of the diplomatic corps, the Kazakh diaspora, business leaders, and local ballet enthusiasts. More than 500 guests attended the premiere evening alone, reflecting strong interest in Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage and the significance of the occasion.
Audiences and observers praised the professionalism and technical excellence of the performers. Reflecting on the scale of the event, the Embassy noted that “Kazakhstan has never before been represented in Singapore by such a large and distinguished ballet ensemble,” describing the season as a memorable highlight in the country’s cultural presence in Singapore. The production was widely seen as a meaningful step in deepening cultural exchange between the two countries.
The Embassy also highlighted that the performances were made possible through the organisation of The Royale Events Ltd, the support of Singaporean patrons, and contributions from Kazakh business partners, without any allocation from the state budget. Expressing appreciation to all collaborators, the Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to future cultural initiatives that continue to strengthen people-to-people ties and cultural diplomacy between Kazakhstan and Singapore.
