Batyrzhan Smakov is a choral conductor at the Kazakh National University of Arts and the only operatic countertenor in Kazakhstan.
Batyrzhan was born in Karaganda in 1986 and began studying music from an early age. His professional career started in 2010 when he pursued education first in Georgia and then in Italy. From 2011 to 2017, he studied at the International Academy of Opera Singing in Osimo and later at the Gioachino Rossini Conservatory in Pesaro, specializing in choral conducting. He graduated with honors (red diploma) from the Italian master's program. In 2016, he was awarded the title of “UNESCO Artist for Peace” after a series of charity concerts aimed at helping children in Syria. After completing his studies, he triumphantly returned to his homeland and gave two solo concerts titled “The Return of Orpheus” at the Astana Opera Theatre. In 2018, he became a winner of the "100 New Faces of Kazakhstan" project. In 2024, he completed an Intensive MBA program at City Business School in Moscow. He is a Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy and a laureate of international competitions, including the Grand Prix of Saint Petersburg and Concorso della Musica Sacra in Turin.
He serves as the administrator of the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra (Kazakhconcert), a senior lecturer at the Conducting Department of the Kazakh National University of Arts, an invited soloist at Astana Opera, the artistic director and conductor of the Zhasstar Choir at KazNUI, a soloist of the regional Philharmonic of Kokshetau, and a guest conductor at Global Music Partnership in New York. He is also a visiting professor at the MECMA International Academy in Dubai (UAE). He has performed in numerous countries, including Italy, France, the USA, Egypt, Jordan, Russia, Poland, and the UAE. He serves as a jury member for international competitions such as Zhas Daryn (Kazakhstan), Tanysu (San Marino), Jumeirah Sounds (UAE), Suoni di Venezia (Italy), Young Talents World Festival (New York), and Sanremo Junior Kazakhstan. He is actively engaged in promoting Kazakh music abroad. He is a member of the Union of Composers and the Union of Musical Figures of Kazakhstan. His discography includes four solo albums, and he has compiled five sheet music collections, including the choral conducting anthology "Daididau".
