Grand Gala Concert of Kazakh Culture Held in Thailand, DKnews.kz reports.
The first-ever Gala Concert of Kazakh Culture in Thailand, titled “Kazakhstan: Rhythm of the Steppe”, took place at the Puey Ungphakorn Centenary Hall of Thammasat University. The event was jointly organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Thailand and the folk-dance ensemble “Katyusha”.
This large-scale cultural event gathered over 500 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, international companies, university students, and citizens. On stage, 200 young performers from the “Katyusha” ensemble showcased authentic Kazakh dances, captivating the audience with the beauty of choreography, vivid stage imagery, a diversity of traditional costumes, and a deep respect for cultural traditions. A special highlight of the evening was the live performance on the dombra, which transported the audience into the soul of the Kazakh steppe. The audience was also treated to a traditional Thai folk dance performed by students of Thammasat University, offering a beautiful moment of cultural exchange and mutual respect.
In his welcome address, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Thailand, Arman Issetov, stated: “This evening is truly special and important for Kazakhstan. We have a wonderful opportunity to present to you a piece of our culture – through music, dance, traditional costumes, and the spirit of the Great Kazakh Steppe. Today, we are building bridges not only through politics and economics, but also through the warmest and most human path – the path of culture”.
The gala concert featured dozens of performances, including the symbolic and graceful dance “Akku”, which inspired many Thai girls with its elegance and poetic imagery. The repertoire also included “Arular”, “Sylkydak”, “Kerbez Sulu”, “Kara Zhorga”, and other expressive pieces reflecting the richness and diversity of Kazakh dance heritage.
The evening became a true celebration of culture and friendship between nations. The concert not only introduced Thai audiences to the rich heritage of Kazakhstan but also affirmed that the language of art transcends borders, age, and nationality.
“Katyusha” is the only folk-dance academy in Thailand, where over 500 children from Thai families study dance and culture. For more than 15 years, the academy has actively participated in major cultural events across the country with support from local authorities and the government. One of its key areas of focus is Kazakh folk dance, currently pursued by more than 150 students. The training program goes beyond dance technique, immersing students in the cultural context: they learn about history, traditions, folklore, song meanings, and ornamental patterns. All costumes and traditional headpieces (such as the Saukele) are handmade by Thai artisans with ethnographic precision.
