On March 8, in celebration of International Women's Day, world-renowned Canadian composer, pianist, and producer Steve Barakatt performed at Astana Opera, DKnews.kz reports.
For the first time, Kazakhstani audiences had the opportunity to experience his iconic compositions, including the legendary Lullaby, The UNICEF Anthem, which has become the official anthem of UNICEF and has been broadcast across five continents.
The concert featured the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra, children's choir, and ballet troupe under the direction of conductor Elmar Buribayev. This was more than just a performance—it was a grand musical spectacle combining music, vocals, and choreography.
Photo: Bakytzhan Batyrkhanuly
About Steve Barakatt
Steve Barakatt is one of the most renowned contemporary composers and pianists, recognized worldwide.
- Over 30 years on stage and more than 500 concerts across five continents
- Composer of Lullaby, The UNICEF Anthem, the anthem of millions of children worldwide
- His music has been featured in FIFA World Cup broadcasts, Formula 1 races, and more than 150 films and TV shows
- More than five million albums sold, with over 300 million views of his compositions on YouTube
- Knight of the National Order of Quebec, the highest honor of the province of Quebec
Concert Program
The evening featured some of Barakatt’s most celebrated compositions, including:
- Lullaby, The UNICEF Anthem – a symbol of hope and protection for children
- Néoréalité – a modern take on classical music
- Ad Vitam Aeternam – a philosophical symphony about the eternity of life
- L'envol (The Flight) – an inspiring melody about freedom
- The Cedars of Lebanon – a musical tribute to Barakatt’s ancestral homeland
- Homeland – a heartfelt composition reflecting warmth and respect for one’s roots
Preparations for the Concert: Rehearsals and Barakatt’s Stay in Kazakhstan
Steve Barakatt spent several days in Kazakhstan preparing for the concert and collaborating with local musicians. The rehearsals showcased the remarkable talent of Kazakhstani artists, blending their choral power with Barakatt’s virtuoso performance. The children’s choir brought an exceptional depth to his compositions, particularly Lullaby, The UNICEF Anthem, which Barakatt composed as a message of hope and protection for children worldwide.
The synergy with the orchestra was particularly striking—each note carried an emotional charge, meticulously crafted to resonate with the audience. Barakatt personally guided certain moments of the performance, emphasizing the importance of conveying the full spectrum of emotions embedded in his music.
Photo: Bakytzhan Batyrkhanuly
“Every time I work with an orchestra, it’s a special moment. Music comes to life, becoming part of the space, part of the audience. Here in Kazakhstan, I feel an incredible energy—the musicians put their whole soul into the performance” Steve Barakatt
This concert was made possible thanks to the initiative of Asar Kadyrbekov—a rising Kazakhstani leader in the global creative industries. Currently serving as Vice President of HARMIX, he lives and works in Canada. Kadyrbekov was the driving force behind bringing Steve Barakatt to Kazakhstan and emphasized the importance of such events in the development of the country's musical culture.
“Music is a universal language that unites people. Bringing a world-renowned artist to Kazakhstan is a great honor. I believe this concert will inspire our musicians and audiences, building new cultural bridges between Kazakhstan and Canada” Сoncert organizer and HARMIX Vice President Asar Kadyrbekov
Music and Technology: The Innovative Your Life’s Soundtrack Project
One of the key themes in Steve Barakatt’s work is the fusion of classical music and modern technology. In collaboration with the Canadian company HARMIX, he developed the innovative Your Life’s Soundtrack platform, which uses artificial intelligence to personalize music.
Photo: Bakytzhan Batyrkhanuly
This system analyzes the listener’s environment—time of day, mood, weather conditions—and selects music in real time, creating a fully customized musical experience.
“I have always believed that music should reflect a person’s life. Now, with artificial intelligence, this has become possible—we can create unique musical journeys tailored to each listener” Steve Barakatt
This concert was not just a live performance but a demonstration of how music can adapt to emotions and moments in life, making it even more personal and immersive.
Photo: Bakytzhan Batyrkhanuly
Contact Information.
Venue: Astana Opera Theatre, Astana
Concert Date: March 8, 2025
Official Website: stevebarakatt.com
Social Media:
Instagram: instagram.com/stevebarakatt
Facebook: facebook.com/stevebarakatt
YouTube: youtube.com/stevebarakatt
This concert became a landmark event in Kazakhstan’s cultural life, offering audiences a chance to immerse themselves in a world of music where tradition meets innovation and emotions find their voice.
