World-Renowned Composer Steve Barakatt to Perform at Astana Opera for International Women’s Day
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — World-renowned composer and pianist Steve Barakatt will headline a landmark solo performance at the Astana Opera on March 8, 2025. This historic event marks Barakatt as the first North American artist to take center stage at the venue. The concert, a tribute to International Women’s Day, celebrates the resilience, creativity, and invaluable contributions of women worldwide.
As part of his Néoréalité World Tour, Barakatt will perform alongside a distinguished ensemble of 125 musicians, singers, and dancers. The Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra, Children’s Choir, and Ballet Company will perform under the baton of conductor Elmar Buribayev.
The program will feature Barakatt’s most iconic compositions, including Néoréalité, Flying, Motherland, Cedars of Lebanon, and Lullaby – The UNICEF Anthem. Audiences will also hear movements from his symphony Ad Vitam Aeternam.
“I am honored to perform at Astana Opera on such a meaningful occasion,” said Barakatt. “International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women. One of the concert’s highlights will be Lullaby – The UNICEF Anthem, emphasizing children’s rights and well-being. This event honors both the resilience of women and our shared commitment to building a brighter future.”
Astana Opera’s Deputy Director of International Relations, Marketing, and Communications, Malika Tulegenova, stated: “Astana Opera is proud to host Steve Barakatt. His music has touched millions, and his ability to integrate orchestral, choral, and ballet elements into one performance will create a unique experience. This concert is a celebration of artistic excellence and the unifying power of music.”
Asar Qadir, representing Rainbow Bridge Story Limited, co-presenter of the event, emphasized its impact: “This concert is more than a performance—it is a statement of empowerment and cultural diplomacy. Steve Barakatt’s music embodies universal emotions that transcend borders, inspiring audiences across generations.”
UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan, Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Music has extraordinary power to inspire and amplify the importance of children’s rights. Through his longstanding partnership with UNICEF, Steve Barakatt has championed the well-being of children. For the first time in Kazakhstan, Lullaby – The UNICEF Anthem will be performed live, reinforcing our shared commitment to creating a better world for every child.”
The success of this concert is also attributed to His Excellency Dauletbek Kussainov, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Canada, and Mr. Timur Tlegnov, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan at the International Civil Aviation Organization, who provided essential support in bringing this performance to fruition.
A Canadian artist of Lebanese heritage, Barakatt is an award-winning composer, pianist, and music producer with a career spanning over three decades. He has collaborated with leading artists, record labels, and organizations on global projects. As a concert pianist, he has performed over 500 live shows across five continents, captivating audiences with his emotive compositions. His music has been featured in international broadcasts, including the FIFA World Cup and Formula 1 Grand Prix. With over five million albums sold and more than 250 million YouTube views, his influence is far-reaching.
Beyond his success as a performer, Barakatt is one of the world’s leading composers of official anthems. His works include Lullaby – The UNICEF Anthem, launched across five continents and even broadcast from the International Space Station, symbolizing unity and hope.
A Knight of the National Order of Quebec, Barakatt has been honored by several heads of state. His music catalog is represented by Universal Music Publishing Group, and he continues to be a global ambassador for music and humanitarian initiatives.
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