Akhmet Kuanovich Zhubanov (Zhubanov Akhmet Kuanuly) – outstanding Kazakh musicologist, composer, conductor, teacher and researcher of folk music. He not only recorded and preserved folk kuis, but also created an orchestra of Kazakh folk instruments, which became a symbol of national musical culture.

Born on April 29, 1906 in the Kosuaktam tract (now Aktobe region). From childhood he showed an interest in music, receiving his first lessons from Kuysha Talym and the village teacher K. Ashgaliev. An important role in his development was played by the writer Zh. Tlepbergenov and his older brother, the linguist Kudaibergen Zhubanov. He received his musical education in Leningrad, studying at the M. Glinka Music College and the Glinka Conservatory N. Rimsky-Korsakov.

After returning to Kazakhstan, he devoted himself to the development of national musical art. B

1933 compiled the first “Musical Primer” in the Kazakh language, and a year later created an ensemble of dombra players, which later became the State Orchestra Kazakh folk instruments named after Kurmangazy. He was the artistic director of the Kazakh Philharmonic, the rector of the Almaty Conservatory, taught the history of Kazakh music and conducting.

Akhmet Zhubanov is the author of scientific works: “Kurmangazy”, “The Life and Work of Kazakh Folk Composers”, “Strings of Centuries”, “Nightingales of Centuries”. He also created the operas “Abai” and “Tolegen Tokhtarov”, symphonic poems, songs, music for plays and films.

Among his students  are famous musicians Shamgon Kazhgaliev, Nurgisa Tlendiev, Gulnafis Bayazitova, Fatima Balgaeva, Fuat Mansurov, Khabidolla Tastanov.

Akhmet Zhubanov passed away on May 30, 1968, leaving an invaluable legacy in the culture and music of Kazakhstan.