Kazakhstan’s musical community is preparing for a landmark date: the 120th anniversary of the birth of a man without whom modern Kazakh culture is unimaginable. On 29 April, a special concert from the Oner Tarlandary series – Ult Rukhynyn Sardary – dedicated to the great composer, conductor, and scholar Akhmet Zhubanov, will take place at the Astana Opera.
His name stands alongside those of Kazakhstan’s greatest cultural figures, who pioneered new forms of musical expression. It was Akhmet Zhubanov who became a founding father of professional musical education in our country, establishing the first Kazakh folk instruments orchestra. His pedagogical genius nurtured a galaxy of stars, including his own celebrated children.
However, the highlight of the evening will be the chance to experience the composer’s living legacy. The programme features arias and duets from operas, art songs, and instrumental miniatures. A central place will undoubtedly be given to excerpts from the opera Abai. Co-written with Latif Khamidi, this work has become a defining symbol of Kazakh operatic art.
“The concept of this programme was built around the legacy of Akhmet Zhubanov as an outstanding composer, as well as the theme of generational continuity. We have, therefore, included his rarely performed chamber vocal works alongside music by his daughter Gaziza Zhubanova, his grandson Alibi Mambetov, and his great-granddaughter Karina Izmailova,” noted Raushan Beskembirova, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan. “As for the standout highlights, each is significant in its own right, revealing its own artistic world, character, and intonation. What is especially meaningful, however, is that one can hear within a single programme how national musical traditions are preserved and evolved. Naturally, the music of Akhmet Zhubanov and his artistic descendants requires a nuanced performance. It is a unique blend of the academic tradition and Kazakh melos, where it is vital to convey the score precisely, while capturing the inner breath of the phrase and its national roots. Therein lies the challenge,” the musician emphasised.
The concert will feature sopranos Bibigul Zhanuzak (Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan), Assem Sembina, Madina Islamova, and Sara Sadygulova, alongside tenors Sayan Issin, Alikhan Zeinolla, and others.
The instrumental portion of the evening will be graced by solo performances from the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra’s principal first violin and associate concertmaster Kalamkas Zhumabayeva, alongside pianists Karina Izmailova and Shakhizada Kulseitova. The qobyz duet featuring Kenzhegul Mussayeva and Aziza Mussa-Beissengulova also deserves special attention.
A special place in the programme is reserved for a group of young talents. All of them are students at the Specialized Music School for Gifted Children of the Kulyash Baiseitova Kazakh National University of Arts. Cellist Sultan Beskembirov (from the class of Murat Narbekov) and piano duets featuring Sofiya Taraskina, Alexandr Pak, and Adiya Akhmetova, Tomiris Belgibai (from the class of Assel Daurenbekova) will demonstrate that the traditions established by Akhmet Zhubanov are alive and thriving. The evening will conclude with a performance by the Astana Opera Children’s Chorus (chorus master: Altynganym Akhmetova; head: Shirin Akhmedzhanova). The piano accompaniment will be performed by Raushan Beskembirova.
The anniversary celebrations in honour of Akhmet Zhubanov will not be limited to a single concert on his birthday. On 1 and 2 May, the opera Abai awaits audiences at the Astana Opera. On these evenings, Akhmet Zhubanov’s great-grandson Alan Buribayev, the opera house’s principal conductor, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, and the State Prize laureate, will take to the podium. He will bring to life that very national soul masterfully captured by the great composer.
