The Cradle of National Music Art – The Zhambyl Kazakh State Philharmonic Celebrates its 90th Anniversary
On January 14, 1935, the establishment of the Kazakh State Philharmonic was officially supported by the resolution of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Kazakh SSR. This development marked the culmination of efforts to promote national art ensembles, educational, and concert activities. In 1938, the philharmonic was named after the great Kazakh poet Zhambyl Zhabayev.
The first director and artistic director of the philharmonic was Akhmet Zhubanov, an eminent musicologist, composer, conductor, People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR, academician of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR, public and state figure, and author of outstanding monographs on the Kazakh language.
Initially, the philharmonic included the Kazakh CEC National Orchestra (renamed the State Choir Capella in 1939), a dombyra orchestra, a national choir, a dance ensemble, and a large group of singers and folk instrument players. It also featured a string quartet founded by B. Lebedev and a Kazakh-Russian song and dance ensemble from the Zhetysu region.
In 1939, a symphony orchestra was established under the leadership of M.M. Ivanov-Sokolovsky and L.M. Shargorodsky. In 1944, the Kazakh folk instrument orchestra was named after Kurmangazy. The Kazakh Philharmonic has been professionally promoting the best works of domestic and world classics, compositions by Kazakh composers, folk music folklore, and Soviet composers’ works.
The philharmonic has hosted various events, including the spring “Zhiger” music festival, “Children’s Music Week,” subscription series of lecture-concerts, and national and symphonic music concerts. In the 1970s and 1980s, laureates of international competitions such as Zh. Aubakirova, A. Mussakhodzhayeva, G. Myrzabekova, and G. Moldakarimova performed on its stage.
Today, the Kazakh Philharmonic includes the Choir Capella (led by Honored Worker of Kazakhstan B. Demeuov), the “Otyrar Sazy” Folklore and Ethnographic Academic Orchestra (led by Honored Artist of Kazakhstan K. Akhmetov), the Republican Chamber Orchestra “Academy of Soloists” (led by Honored Artist of Kazakhstan A. Mussakhodzhayeva), the State String Quartet, and the State Academic Symphony Orchestra (led by People’s Artist of Kazakhstan T. Abdrashev), as well as a group of singers.
Currently, the director of the Philharmonic is Akan Zhylkyshybayuly Abdualiev.
