Today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nurgisa Tlendiyev—a composer, conductor, Honored Artist of Kazakhstan, and Hero of the Nation.
A distinguished figure of Kazakh culture, Tlendiyev was born on April 1, 1925, in Ile District, Almaty Region. He left an indelible mark on Kazakh national art and culture, pioneering the orchestral performance of folk songs and kyuis (traditional instrumental pieces).
Throughout his career, he held key positions, including:
• Conductor at the Abai Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater,
• Chief Conductor of the Kazakh Folk Instruments Orchestra,
• Editor-in-Chief of the music department at Kazakhfilm Studio,
• Founder and Artistic Director of the Otyrar Sazy Folklore and Ethnographic Orchestra (since 1981).
Tlendiyev composed numerous works, including:
• Opera Altyn Tau (co-written with K. Kojamiyarov),
• Ballets Dostyk Zholy (with L. Stepanov) and Orteke,
• Cantata Menin Qazaqstanym,
• Instrumental Pieces Poema, Ata Tolgauy, Aksak Kulan, Aqqu, Arman, Makhambet, Kosh Keruen,
• Overtures Khalyk Kuanishy, Qairat, Zhenis Saltanaty.
His contribution to theater and cinema includes music for more than 50 dramatic productions, 19 feature films, 17 animated films, and 14 documentary films.
A twice-awarded recipient of the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, Nurgisa Tlendiyev remains a legendary figure in Kazakh musical history.
