“Sagyndym Goi...” (“How I Miss You...”): A Memorial Evening for Nurgisa Tlendiyev Held in Almaty

That evening, his music filled the Zhambyl Kazakh State Academic Philharmonic. The Academic Folklore and Ethnographic Orchestra named after N. Tlendiyev, “Otyrar Sazy”, presented a memorial concert titled “Sagyndym Goi...” (“How I Miss You...”). The programme featured 23 compositions, with the B. Baikadamov State Choral Chapel joining the orchestra on stage.

The audience welcomed the tribute with deep warmth. Orchestral arrangements, choir renditions, and vocal soloists brought to life beloved songs and kuis (traditional instrumental compositions) familiar to Kazakhstan citizens since childhood, prompting many in the crowd to sing along. Each piece was met with standing ovations, turning the finale into a vibrant celebration of Kazakh musical heritage.

Addressing the audience from the stage, Murat Zhumanbay, Executive Director of the AÑSA Foundation, said:

“His works embody the spirit of our people, the voice of our nation and a cultural heritage passed down through generations. That is why Nurgisa Tlendiyev’s legacy is not merely a memory of the past, but a spiritual anchor for present and future generations.”

Nurgisa Tlendiyev founded "Otyrar Sazy" in 1980 under the Zhambyl Kazakh State Academic Philharmonic, with the ensemble achieving full orchestra status in 1982. Alongside the dombra, the orchestra incorporates traditional instruments such as the zhetigen, sherter, sazsyrnai, sybyzgy, and shankobyz – introducing many listeners to these native sounds for the very first time. Today, the orchestra is led by the composer’s daughter, Dinzukhra Tlendiyeva, who serves as its artistic director and chief conductor.

In 2026–2027, the AÑSA Foundation, in partnership with the Nurgisa Tlendiyev Cultural Heritage Private Foundation, is implementing the “The Legacy of Nurgisa Tlendiyev” programme. Its goal is to preserve the legacy of the composer and his legendary orchestra while bringing his music to new generations of listeners and performers.

“AÑSA Foundation has launched a two-year programme to preserve the legacy of Nurgisa Tlendiyev and his legendary orchestra ‘Otyrar Sazy.’ True classics don’t age, but they need reliable support – ranging from digitizing archival recordings and upgrading stage infrastructure to supporting young talent and organizing major tours. It is vital to us that the maestro’s great music is heard not only in concert halls, but also across streaming platforms, keeping it vibrant and accessible for younger audiences,” said Tatyana Kim, member of the Board of Trustees of AÑSA Foundation.

“Such collaboration is tremendously important, because creative people always need funding for their new ideas and new compositions,” noted Dinzukhra Tlendiyeva.

The support programme covers six areas: supplying new instruments, rehearsal equipment, and stage costumes for the orchestra; establishing named scholarships, grants, competitions, and masterclasses for emerging musicians; concerts and tours across Kazakhstan and abroad; digitizing archival recordings and distributing Tlendiyev’s music on major streaming platforms; releasing a collector’s vinyl record alongside published sheet music collections; and producing documentary videos chronicling the composer's life and work.