Kyrgyzstan is often hailed as the most cosmopolitan of the Central Asian states: Mongolian nomadic practices and Turkic arts and traditions have coexisted for centuries. Christianity predates Islam in the country, and still active 7th century cathedrals stand alongside 10th century mosques and minarets in the mountainous countryside. Listen to one of the myriad symphony or folk orchestras, perform in a countryside church or urban theater, and enjoy this unique culture, a fusion of many fascinating influences.

Classical Movements has had extensive experience in the former Soviet Union including Central Asia. The company organized its first tour to neighboring Kazakhstan in 1994 as a result of a momentous agreement to have exclusive rights to take Americans to the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The company also worked with the State Department and Library of Congress to bring citizens of these countries formed with the breakup of the Soviet Union to the USA for training on intellectual property rights and copyright issues, as well as forming and protecting new democratic institutions. This involved several citizens from Bishkek as well.

Sights & Sounds

  • Bishkek
  • Maldybaev Opera & Ballet Theater
  • Philharmonic Orchestra of Kyrgyzstan
  • Karakol
  • Holy Trinity Cathedral
  • Dungan Mosque
  • Silk Road history in Osh
  • Ancient Petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata
  • Tian Shan Mountains
  • Issyk Kul or Warm Lake 

Testimonials

“[The Pažaislis Music Festival] was the best stop of the trip… in particular the venues and audiences were excellent. Every concert was packed. The concert in Moscow’s audience was very appreciative… there was press coverage, and in general was a great concert on which to end the tour.”

-Pacific Boychoir

“Washington- Blue Heart Tours (Classical Movements former name) the only U.S. operator that visits security-restricted Russian space centers is planning a package around the first stay by American astronauts on Mir, the world’s only permanent space station…. travelers will have the opportunity to meet the astronauts and watch their space shuttle launch from Baikonur, Kazakhstan.”

-Travel Weekly, October 10, 1994

Press

“The musical director and conductor of the Yale Glee Club said the group chose the destination ‘because of the wonderful friendships they discovered in Turkey.’ The Turkish word ‘dost’ (friends for life) is the reason we are performing in Istanbul,’ said Jeff Douma.”

-Hürriyet Daily News, Hatice Utkan | August 5, 2010

“Khubat Abbas Abdul Razaq, a cellist and one of the orchestra’s four women members, said: “I just want to say this is an honor to come to Washington and to play here.”

Samir Yosif, a double-bass player, said: “We want to let the American people know that we have a culture, that we have something to give them. It’s a great honor to be here and we thank the people who have helped us here to play.”

-The lndependent/UK, December 12, 2003

“Blue Heart has followed its clients’ suggestions to map out its expanding destinations. Vacationers travel from Guangzhou to Hong Kong by train visit the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and Tian’anmen Square and take in a performance of the famed Shanghai Acrobats.”

-Tour and Travel News, Michael Milligan | May 8, 1995

“The Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra visit involved a human element that transcended the usual business of arranging orchestra tours for Neeta Helms, executive vice president of Classical Movements. She ushered the musicians from their first nerve-wracking security checks at New York’s JFK Airport to their last tourist stop at Rockefeller Center on the way out of the country.”

-Symphony Magazine, Rebecca Winzenreid | March, 2004

“Kevin Fox, who is working with the Neemrana Foundation, the Capital City Minstrels and Delhi School of Music in the Capital, says that the Indian singers are very keen on the music and are eager to do more and learn more about choral singing. He adds, ‘I’ve met some excellent directors and teachers here who are working very creatively to spread the musical and social benefits of group singing.'”

-Mail Today, Srijani Ganguly | Feb 15, 2017