Moscow, September 9, 2025 – The Helikon-Opera Musical Theater in Moscow hosted a creative evening titled “Әlqissa”, dedicated to the centenary of the outstanding Kazakh composer Nurgisa Tlendiyev.
The event was organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the Russian Federation and the Akimat of Almaty Region.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Russia Dauren Abayev emphasized that Nurgisa Tlendiyev was not only a composer but also a philosopher who sought answers through sound and melody to fundamental questions: “Who are we? Where do we come from? What nurtures our soul?” He noted:
"Tlendiyev became a bridge between the ancient kyuis of the kobyz and dombra and modern symphonic forms. His works sound like a dialogue of centuries, intertwining steppe melodies, heroic motifs, folkloric intonations, and the traditions of the academic school. He demonstrated that music is not only an art but also a way of preserving memory, identity, and the inner strength of a nation."
Mr. Abayev added that today, the great maestro’s legacy is being preserved and enriched by his daughter, Dinzukhra Tlendiyeva, conductor and Honored Worker of Culture of Kazakhstan, whose mastery was presented to the audience that evening.
For her part, Dinzukhra Tlendiyeva expressed her honor in performing in Moscow during this jubilee year:
"Moscow is not a foreign city for my father. Here, he studied conducting at the Conservatory under the renowned professor Nikolai Anosov and undertook an internship at the Bolshoi Theatre. That is why we prepared for this concert with special care, carefully selecting the repertoire. I am very proud of my surname, which carries great responsibility," she said.
The evening’s atmosphere was truly festive. Nurgisa Tlendiyev’s works were performed by the Akzhaūyn Chamber Orchestra, the State Folk Dance Ensemble Altynai, as well as renowned Kazakhstani performers – Farkhat Kubiyev, Rukhiya Baydukenova, Syrym Shonbayev, Tolegen Rakhymbayev, Seken Turysbek, Medet Orynbayev, Musa Saparali, Adil Akhmetzhanov, Assel Erzhanova, Bibigul Kylymkhan, Nurken Ashirov, Dayana Tlendiyeva, Fariza Dosbol, and the IL Canto Quartet.
The concert concluded with resounding applause, as the audience called the artists back to the stage, eager to hear more of their remarkable performances. The colorful program, expressed in the universal language of music, showcased the richness of Kazakh culture and left a lasting impression on the hearts of Muscovites.
Guests of the evening also had the opportunity to view an exhibition organized in the foyer of the Helikon-Opera by the Zhambyl Zhabayev Literary and Memorial Museum. “In 1936, Moscow hosted the Decade of Kazakh Literature and Art, where Zhambyl gained nationwide recognition. I am delighted that nearly 90 years later, I am here again to present Muscovites with exhibits from my grandfather’s personal collection,” said Saltanat Zhambylova, the museum’s director and granddaughter of the great akyn.
The centenary of Nurgisa Tlendiyev is being celebrated at the international level, as the anniversary has been included in UNESCO’s Calendar of Commemorative Dates. Throughout this year, international events have been held worldwide to popularize the composer’s works. The concert in Moscow became an important continuation of this cultural relay.