The Kazakh National Orchestra of Folk Instruments named after Kurmangazy is the first professional and unique orchestra in the history of instrumental musical art of Kazakhstan. He introduced the whole world to Kazakh culture, the incomparable melodies of the steppes, and unique instruments.

The orchestra was founded in 1934 by Akhmet Zhubanov. Over the years, the team was led by talented musicians - Shamgon Kazhgaliev and Nurgisa Tlendiev and others. They not only continued the work of Zhubanov, but also enriched the repertoire.

In 1944, the orchestra was named after the great Kazakh folk musician Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly. Since 1967 - Honored Band of Kazakhstan, since 1978 - Academic Orchestra. In 1984, the Orchestra was awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples; in 2020, by decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, it was awarded National status.

Today, the famous orchestra employs 135 people. The orchestra gives more than 100 concerts per year, and the number of spectators reaches up to 45,000 people. And the musicians’ repertoire consists of over 5,000 works.

In honor of the anniversary, the orchestra has planned a number of events both in Kazakhstan and abroad. The musical group will visit Turkmenistan and perform in front of the public in Ashgabat, where they will present unique works of Kazakh folk music to the audience.

As part of the anniversary tour, the orchestra will also delight Kazakh listeners with bright and memorable performances in Karaganda and Kostanay.

The culmination of the celebration will be a gala concert, at which classical works of Kazakh music and new compositions created specifically for this event will be performed.

gov.kz

translated by Qazalem