The Legacy of Nurgisa Tlendiev

The main goal of the partnership is to preserve the legacy of Nurgisa Tlendiev, People’s Artist of the USSR and Halyk Kaharmany (People’s Hero), make it accessible to new generations of performers and audiences, and strengthen its presence in contemporary cultural life.

Programme funding: KZT 100 million

Project partner: Nurgisa Tlendiev Cultural Heritage Foundation

Implementation period: 2026-2027

Music Across Generations

Nurgisa Tlendiev was a composer, conductor, and dombra player whose work holds a special place in Kazakhstan’s musical culture. His compositions combine the traditions of Kazakh music with the expressive possibilities of orchestral performance, showcasing the richness of traditional melodies and kuis. Tlendiev is often referred to as the “Kazakh Beethoven.” Solo dombra performance accompanied by an orchestra held a special place in his work. The composer wrote music for more than 40 films and dozens of theatre productions. His music features in such films as “Kyz-Zhibek”, “My Name Is Kozha”, “Chasing Across the Steppe”, and other well-known films.

One of the major achievements of his life was the creation of the Otyrar Sazy ensemble. The ensemble was established in 1980 at the Zhambyl Kazakh State Philharmonic, and in 1982 it was granted orchestra status. Alongside the dombra, its performances featured traditional instruments such as the zhetygen, sherter, sazsyrai, sybyzgy, and shankobyz. The orchestra played an important role in preserving the sound of traditional Kazakh musical instruments and introducing them to a wider audience.

Today, the Otyrar Sazy Academic Orchestra continues the performance traditions established by its founder and represents Kazakh music both in Kazakhstan and abroad. Over the course of its history, the ensemble has performed for audiences in France, Germany, Türkiye, as well as countries across Asia and the Middle East. Supporting the orchestra and passing its experience on to young musicians are important components of the joint programme of AÑSA Foundation and the Nurgisa Tlendiev Cultural Heritage Foundation.

AÑSA Foundation’s support covers six areas:

1. Musical instruments and stage equipment

The programme provides for the renewal of the Otyrar Sazy Orchestra’s material and technical resources, including the acquisition of authentic traditional musical instruments and professional rehearsal equipment, as well as the production of stage costumes.

2. Supporting young musicians

The programme will provide named scholarships and grants for young performers and arrangers, as well as competitions and masterclasses with leading musicians. These initiatives will help emerging professionals develop their skills and learn from the experience of the older generation.

3. Concerts and international tours

The partnership provides for the organisation of concerts and touring programmes in Kazakhstan and abroad. These performances will introduce new audiences to Nurgisa Tlendiev’s compositions and Kazakh orchestral music.

4. Digitisation and preservation of the archive

The programme provides for the digitisation of rare archival recordings, the preparation of contemporary arrangements of Nurgisa Tlendiev’s compositions, and the release of his music on international streaming platforms. It also includes the production of documentary materials about the composer’s life and work.

5. Publishing and research projects

The programme includes the release of a collector’s vinyl record, academic sheet-music collections, and scholarly publications on Nurgisa Tlendiev’s contribution to the development of Kazakh music. These publications will help preserve his works and support their continued performance and study.

6. Communications and public outreach

The programme provides for engagement with media and digital platforms through publications, interviews, and video materials about the composer, the Otyrar Sazy Orchestra, and project participants. This communications work will help raise awareness of Tlendiev’s legacy, promote programme activities, and engage younger audiences.