GOLDEN FUND

Kulyash Baiseitova (1912–1957) was a Kazakh opera singer (lyric soprano), People's Artist of the USSR and one of the brightest stars of Kazakh opera. She was the first Kazakh singer to be awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR, and became a symbol of the flowering of national opera art.

She was born in 1912 in the Kokshetau district (now the territory of Kazakhstan). From childhood, she showed musical talent and from a young age participated in theatrical productions. She graduated from the studio at the Kazakh Musical Theater and already in 1934, at the age of 22, she became a soloist of the first Kazakh Opera and Ballet Theater (now the Abay Theater).

She gained real fame for her role as Sarah in the opera “Birzhan and Sarah” by composer Mukan Tulebaev, where she not only demonstrated brilliant vocals, but also created a deeply dramatic image. This role became her hallmark. Among other significant works are the parts of Aizhan in “Aiman-Sholpan”, Azhar in “Abai”, Tatyana in “Eugene Onegin”. Her performance was distinguished not only by virtuoso technique, but also by deep emotional content.

Kulyash Baiseitova was one of the first Kazakh singers who presented national music on the international stage. In 1936, she performed in Moscow at the Decade of Kazakh Art, where her talent was highly appreciated. In 1937, she received the title of People's Artist of the USSR, becoming the youngest artist in history to be awarded this title.

Her life was cut short in 1957, but her contribution to the development of Kazakh opera and musical culture remains invaluable. Today, streets, theaters and music educational institutions in Kazakhstan are named after her, and her image remains an inspiration for young vocalists.

Bibigul Akhmetovna Tulegenova (born December 16, 1929) is a legendary Kazakh opera singer (lyric soprano), teacher, People's Artist of the USSR, one of the most significant figures in the history of Kazakh music. Her name has become a symbol of the highest skill, and her voice has won over listeners far beyond the borders of Kazakhstan.

She was born in 1929 in Semipalatinsk (now Semey, Kazakhstan) into the family of a folk musician. From childhood, she showed a love for music, and her talent was noticed at a young age. In 1954, she graduated from the Kazakh Conservatory (now the Kazakh National University of Arts), where she studied with the famous teacher Kulyash Baiseitova.

Her professional career began at the Abay State Opera and Ballet Theater, where she performed leading roles in classical and national operas. Among her best roles are Sarah in the opera “Birzhan and Sarah”, Azhar in “Abai”, Tatyana in “Eugene Onegin”. In addition to opera, Bibigul Tulegenova actively performed Kazakh folk songs, giving them special expressiveness and depth.

Her unique timbre, purity of intonation and deep emotionality made her one of the best singers in the Soviet Union. She performed on the world's largest stages, representing Kazakh culture in Europe, America and Asia. For her services, she was awarded many awards, including the title of People's Artist of the USSR (1967), orders and prizes for her contribution to the development of art.

In addition to her brilliant career as a singer, Bibigul Tulegenova was engaged in teaching, training young vocalists and passing on her invaluable experience. Her name has become a legend, and her voice remains a symbol of the beauty and greatness of Kazakh vocal art. An international vocal competition is held in her honor in Kazakhstan, and her work continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

Abai (Ibrahim) Kunanbaiuly (August 10, 1845 — June 23, 1904) was a Kazakh poet, philosopher, composer, educator, thinker, public figure, founder of Kazakh written literature and its first classic, cultural reformer in the spirit of rapprochement with Russian and European culture on the basis of enlightened liberal Islam.

His real name is Ibrahim (Ibrahim is the Arabic name, an analogue of the name of the prophet Abraham), but the name Abai (In Kazakh, the word “Abai” means “attentive”, “careful”), given by his grandmother Zere, stuck with him for life. Also, Abai’s nephew is the famous Kazakh poet Shakarim Kudaiberdiuly.

Abai Kunanbaiuly was born in the Chingiz intermountain of the Semei district of the West Siberian Governor-General (since 1845, Semei region, according to the current administrative division in the Abai district of the East Kazakhstan region) in the family of a large bai (rich man) Kunanbai Uskenbayev (Uskenbayev) of the Tobykty family from the Kazakh Argyn tribe. Abai’s family belonged to the local nobility; his grandfather (Oskenbai) and great-grandfather (Irgizbai) dominated their family as the rulers and biys (the judges, who dealt with disputes under Kazakh customary law).

The home schooling that had started in his childhood by the mullah was continued at the madrasah of Akhmet-Riza mullah in Semei, where the Arabic, Persian and other oriental languages were taught as well. At the same time, he attended the Russian school. By the end of his five-year studies, he began to write the poetry, first attributing his authorship to his friend Kokpai Dzhantassov. Since the age of 13, Kunanbai’s father had begun to teach Abai for the activities of the head of the family. At the age of 28, Abai stepped away from this position, completely involving himself in self-education, but only by the age of 40, he had created his first adult poems. A significant event for Abai was his communication with the political Russian exiles E. P. Michaelis, N. Dolgopolov, S. Gross.

The formation of Abai’s worldview was influenced by the poets and scientists of the East who adhered the humanistic ideas (Firdawsi, Alisher Navoi, Nizami, Fuzuli, Ibn Sina and others), as well as the works of Russian classics, and he learned the European literature through them. He translated the works of Krylov, Lermontov, Pushkin, Goethe and Byron.

A story of the poem “Karangy tunde tau kalgyp” (The mountains slumber in the dark night), which became a folk song, is characteristic. Goethe wrote “Wanderers Nachtlied” (The Night Song of the Wanderer), Lermontov translated it into Russian (A mountain peaks sleep in the darkness of the night...), and half a century later, Abai Kunanbaiuly transmitted its contents into Kazakh language. He contributed for the spread of Russian and European culture among the Kazakhs. Subsequently, Turar Ryskulov followed his example.

For some time, Abai had worked as an administrator of small administrative district.

According to the literary critics, Abai ridiculed some of the customs of the ancestral village, spoke out “against the servile position of women” and “against the social evil and ignorance”.

Abai Kunanbaiuly was an innovator of Kazakh poetry; the poems dedicated to the seasons are progressive: “Spring” (1890), “Summer” (1886), “Autumn” (1889), “Winter” (1888), and there are poems about the purpose of poetry (to teach the good and condemn the bad). The plots of the poems “Masgud” (1887) and “The Legend of Azim” are based on the motifs of oriental classical literature. In the “Iskander” poem, a reason in the personality of Aristotle and the greed of the conqueror in the personality of Alexander the Great are contrasted as well.

In the history of Kazakh literature, Abai took an honorable place, enriching the Kazakh versification with the new sizes and rhymes. He introduced the new poetic forms, such as octagons, hexagons and others.

Besides that, Abai created about 170 poems and 56 translations, wrote the poems and famous ones are “Words of Wisdom” (“Kara Sozder”).

Abai Kunanbaiuly had a great influence on the Kazakh national intelligentsia of the late 19th − early 20th centuries. Thus, the leaders of the Alash-Orda movement perceived Abai as the spiritual leader of the revival of the Kazakh nation. Alikhan Bukeikhanov became the first biographer of Abai. His famous article “Abai (Ibrahim) Kunanbayev” — an obituary of the Kazakh national poet was published in the “Semipalatinsk Leaflet” newspaper in 1905. Then, with a portrait of Abai, it was published in the “Notes of the Semipalatinsk sub-department of the West Siberian Department of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society” journal in 1907.

In 1914, the turkologist V.V.Gordlevsky selected Abai Kunanbaiuly and Mirzhakyp Dulatov as the prominent representatives of Kazakh literature to publish their texts in the “Oriental Collection”, issued in honor of the 70th anniversary of the famous orientalist and academician N. I. Veselovsky.

It bears noting that Abai Kunanbaiuly is the pride of the country and a great Kazakh world-class thinker.

Roza Tazhibaevna Baglanova (1922–2011) is a legendary Kazakh singer, People's Artist of the USSR, one of the most famous performers of Kazakh folk and pop songs. Her name has become a symbol of steadfastness, talent and dedication to art, and her voice has captivated listeners around the world.

She was born on January 1, 1922 in the Kyzylorda region. From childhood, she showed musical talent, and after graduating from school she entered the Tashkent Textile Institute. However, the war changed her fate - during the Great Patriotic War she performed with concert brigades in front of soldiers at the front, raising their fighting spirit.

After the war, her career developed rapidly. She became a soloist of the Kazakh State Philharmonic, and then the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. Her repertoire included both Kazakh folk songs and pop works in various languages, including Russian, Uzbek, Korean, Chinese and even German.

Roza Baglanova triumphantly performed on the world's largest stages, including the Kremlin, Berlin, Paris, Prague, Vienna, Warsaw and Beijing. Her hallmark was the song “Ah, Samara-gorodok”, which she performed with special warmth.

For her contribution to the development of art, she was awarded many awards, including the title of People's Artist of the USSR (1967), the Order of Lenin, the Order of Otan and other high state awards. Despite her venerable age, she continued to perform, remaining true to her calling.

Roza Baglanova left a deep mark on the history of Kazakh culture. Her voice, filled with warmth and strength, remains part of the heritage of Kazakhstan, and her name is forever inscribed in the golden fund of world musical culture.

Yernar Sadyrbayev, known under the stage name Amire, is a Kazakh singer, born on January 12, 1995 in Kostanay. From an early age, he showed musical abilities, studied at a music school and participated in city competitions. After graduating from school, he entered the T. Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts in Almaty, where he continued his musical education.

In 2011, Yernar won the Grand Prix at the Golden Microphone international competition. In 2018, he won the international competition "Slavic Bazaar", which brought him wide fame. In 2021, he participated in the Russian show "The Voice", where he performed Stevie Wonder's song "Part-Time Lover" and turned the chairs of all four mentors, eventually choosing Dima Bilan as his mentor. 

Yernar is known for performing songs in the genres of R&B, bossa nova, pop classics and pop. He also participated in the international exhibition "Expo-2015" in Milan and was a laureate of many international competitions. 

In 2022, Yernar announced his intention to leave the music industry and go into business, noting that he does not plan to sing until old age. 

Mayra Mukhamedkyzy (also known as Mayra Kerey) is a Kazakh opera singer (soprano), the first Kazakh soloist of the Paris Grand Opera. She was born on September 5, 1969 in Kulja, China, into a musical family: her father was a famous composer and collector of Kazakh folk songs, her mother was a singer and People's Artist of China. 

In 1987, Mayra graduated from the music department of the Central University of Nationalities of China, and then from the Beijing Conservatory. In 1994, she moved to Kazakhstan, where she became a soloist of the Abay State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater in Almaty. In 1998, she took third place at the International Tchaikovsky Competition, becoming the first laureate from Kazakhstan. 

In 2002, Mayra signed a two-year contract with the Paris Grand Opera, where she debuted in Puccini's opera La Boheme as Musetta. She also performed at the Washington Opera at the invitation of Placido Domingo, performing a role in Tchaikovsky's opera The Maid of Orleans. Her repertoire includes parts in Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore, Meyerbeer's L'Africaine and others. 

In December 2015, Mayra was invited to Astana Opera as a leading soloist. She is a laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2008) and a knight of the Order of Otan (2020). In 2024, she was awarded the title of People's Artist of Kazakhstan. 

Mayra Mukhamedkyzy is married to Aksan Askhat-uly, a two-time Asian motocross champion and ten-time Chinese motorcycle racing champion. The couple has a daughter, Aida, born on February 2, 2012. 

Her work is highly appreciated by critics and the public for her bright, crystal clear voice and artistry. Mayra continues to actively perform on the international opera stage, representing Kazakh art.

In 2024, Mayra Mukhamedkyzy took part in the referendum in Kazakhstan, casting her vote at a polling station located in the opera and ballet theater in Shymkent. 

Her contribution to the development of opera art and the popularization of Kazakh culture on the international stage is significant and deserves recognition.

Dos-Mukasan is a legendary Kazakhstani vocal and instrumental ensemble (VIA) founded in 1967. This group is considered a pioneer of Kazakh pop music and one of the most influential musical projects in the history of the country. Their work combines elements of Kazakh folk music, rock, pop music and jazz, which made their style unique and innovative.

The ensemble was created by students of the Kazakh Polytechnic Institute, and its name is made up of the first syllables of the names of the founders: Dosym Suleev, Murat Kusainov, Kareken Akhmetov and Sanya Botpaev. Their musical style stood out from the very beginning among Soviet VIAs - they actively used Kazakh folk motifs, modern arrangements and vocal harmony.

Dos-Mukasan gained wide popularity in 1971 after winning the All-Union Festival of Student Ensembles. Their songs “Toy Zhyry”, “Kuanyshym Menin”, “Sagynym Seni”, “Zhan Dosym”, “Kua Bol” became hits and remain popular to this day.

In 1974, the ensemble was recognized as the best vocal and instrumental group in the USSR, which allowed them to actively tour throughout the Union and abroad. Their work contributed to the popularization of Kazakh culture and language among a wide audience.

Despite changes in the composition, “Dos-Mukasan” remains a symbol of Kazakh pop music. They continue to perform and maintain the spirit of youthful enthusiasm with which their story began. The music of this ensemble has forever entered the golden fund of Kazakh culture and continues to inspire new generations of listeners.

Batyrkhan Kamaluly Shukenov (May 18, 1962 – April 28, 2015) was a Kazakh singer, musician, composer and saxophonist, one of the most recognizable and beloved artists of Kazakhstan. He was the first soloist of the legendary group “A’Studio”, and later successfully performed as a solo artist. His voice, filled with warmth and sincerity, became a symbol of romance and soulful music.

He was born in the city of Kyzylorda. From childhood he showed interest in music, studied playing the saxophone. Later he entered the Almaty State Conservatory, where he continued his musical education. In 1983 he joined the ensemble “Aray”, where he worked with Roza Rymbaeva, and already in 1987 together with Baigali Serkebayev and other musicians he created the group “Alma-Ata”, later renamed to “A’Studio”.

In 1989, “A’Studio” gained all-Union popularity after performing the hit “Julia”, which became the hallmark of the group. Batyrkhan Shukenov was not only a vocalist, but also the author of many songs of the group, combining pop music, jazz and national motifs in his work.

In 2000, he left “A’Studio” and began a solo career. His solo projects were dedicated to Kazakh culture and folk music, he performed songs in Kazakh, including “Otan Ana”, “Sagym Dunie”, “Elim Menin”. He also recorded several albums, including “Otan Ana” and “Batyr LIVE”.

Over the years of his career, he repeatedly received state awards, was an advisor on culture to the President of Kazakhstan and represented the country on the international stage. His sudden death in 2015 was a huge loss for Kazakh music.

Batyrkhan Shukenov left behind a rich musical legacy. An annual competition of young performers “Batyr Music Awards” is held in his honor, and his songs continue to sound in the hearts of millions of listeners.

Yermek Bekmukhamedovich Serkebayev (July 4, 1926 – November 16, 2013) was a legendary Kazakh opera singer (baritone), actor, teacher, People's Artist of the USSR, one of the most outstanding vocalists of Kazakhstan. His name became a symbol of the Kazakh opera stage, and his voice captivated audiences far beyond the republic.

He was born in the city of Petropavlovsk. From childhood he showed a love for music, studied at the Almaty Conservatory, which he graduated in 1951. From the same year he became a soloist of the Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abai, where he performed leading roles in national and world classical operas.

He gained real fame for performing the main parts in Kazakh operas: Abai in “Abai”, Sarym in “Birzhan and Sarah”, Onan in “Er Targyn”, as well as classical roles - Eugene Onegin in “Eugene Onegin”, Figaro in “The Barber of Seville”, Germont in “La Traviata”. His performance was distinguished by expressiveness, emotional depth and virtuoso vocal technique.

Yermek Serkebayev was not only a great singer, but also a talented actor. He starred in films, playing the main roles in the films “Our Dear Doctor”, “Messengers Hurry”, and his screen images complemented his musical heritage.

For outstanding services he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR (1959), the USSR State Prize (1977), the Order of “Otan” and many other awards. He dedicated more than 40 years to the stage, and after completing his career he worked in the field of culture and pedagogy, educating a new generation of vocalists.

His voice, art and dedication to music made him a legend of the Kazakh opera stage. Today, his work remains a standard of excellence, and his contribution to the development of culture of Kazakhstan is invaluable.

Roza Kuanyshevna Rymbayeva (born October 28, 1957) is a legendary Kazakh singer, People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR, one of the most famous and respected performers in the history of Kazakh pop music. Her name has become a symbol of the musical art of Kazakhstan, and her voice and stagecraft have captivated millions of listeners.

She was born in the Semipalatinsk region (now the Abai region). From childhood, she showed musical abilities and soon entered the pop and circus school in Alma-Ata. In 1976 she became a soloist of Kazakhconcert, where her professional career began.

Roza Rymbayeva gained real fame after winning the International Competition for Young Performers “Golden Orpheus” in Bulgaria (1977). This triumph opened her way to the world's largest stages. Subsequently, she represented Kazakhstan and the USSR at international festivals, performing in Europe, Asia and North America.

The singer's repertoire includes pop, folk and academic works. Among her most famous songs are “Aliya”, dedicated to the heroine of the Great Patriotic War Aliya Moldagulova, “Tugan Zher”, “Kunge Tabynu”, “Kesteli Oramal” and many others. Her voice is distinguished by its power, depth and emotionality, and the stage manner of performance makes each performance unforgettable.

For her contribution to the development of culture of Kazakhstan, she was awarded many awards, including the title of People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR, orders “Otan”, “Parasat”, as well as numerous international awards. In addition to her musical career, Roza Rymbayeva is engaged in teaching, training young artists, and actively participates in charitable projects.

Today, she continues to delight fans with new performances, remaining one of the main stars of the Kazakh pop music scene. Her name is firmly associated with the musical heritage of Kazakhstan, and her work inspires new generations of performers.

Amre Kashaubayev (1886–1934) was a Kazakh singer and musician, one of the first performers of Kazakh folk music on the international stage. He was born in 1886 in the Semipalatinsk region and showed talent for singing and playing the dombra from a young age. Possessing an outstanding voice and a special manner of performance, he became known as one of the best Kazakh singers of his time.

In 1925, Amre Kashaubayev presented Kazakh culture at the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Paris. His performance caused a sensation among the European public, and his virtuoso performance of Kazakh folk songs allowed him to take second place among the vocalists of the competition. This event became historical, as Kazakh music was presented on the international stage for the first time.

Thanks to his talent and unusual manner of performance, many foreigners first got acquainted with the Kazakh musical tradition. His performances abroad became a symbol of the popularization of Kazakh art and culture. Despite his difficult fate, he left a deep mark on the history of Kazakh music. In Kazakhstan, a feature film “Amre” (2018) was filmed about him, telling about his life and success in Paris. Today, his name is associated with the revival and preservation of national musical culture, and his work continues to inspire new generations of performers.

Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly (1818–1884) was a Kazakh composer, kuishi and dombra player, one of the greatest musicians of the Kazakh people. He was born in the Bukey Horde (now the territory of Western Kazakhstan) and showed a talent for playing the dombra from childhood. His teacher was the famous kuishi Uzak, but soon Kurmangazy surpassed many masters, creating unique melodies reflecting the life of the Kazakh people.

His work became a symbol of the struggle for freedom and independence. In his kuyas, he conveyed the suffering of ordinary people, their desire for justice and the spirit of resistance. For his views and support for the poor, he was repeatedly persecuted by the authorities, arrested several times and imprisoned. Despite this, his music continued to sound, passing from generation to generation.

Among his most famous works are “Saryarka”, “Adai”, “Kishkentai”, “Balbyraun”, “Turmeden kashkan”. These kui became symbols of Kazakh national identity, reflecting the strength, will and indomitability of the people. Today, Kurmangazy's music is performed not only in Kazakhstan, but also abroad, and the Kazakh National Orchestra of Folk Instruments bears his name. His work occupies a special place in the culture of Kazakhstan, and his contribution to the development of national music remains invaluable.

Shara (Gulshara) Zhiyenkulova (1912–1991) was an outstanding Kazakh dancer, choreographer, actress and teacher, the first People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR in the field of choreography. She is considered the founder of Kazakh stage dance, who made a huge contribution to the development of national art and culture.

She was born in 1912 in Verny (now Almaty). From early childhood, she showed interest in art, especially folk dances. In her youth, she began her creative career, learning folk movements, and then developed a unique style, combining traditional Kazakh dances with elements of classical and modern choreography.

In 1934, Shara Zhiyenkulova became one of the first soloists of the Kazakh Musical Theater (later transformed into the Opera and Ballet Theater). Her performances with solo numbers in Moscow and Leningrad caused a sensation, introducing national Kazakh dance to a wide audience. Among her most famous dances are “Kara Zhorga”, “Aizhan Kyz”, “Kelinshek”, which have become the hallmark of Kazakh choreography.

In addition to her stage career, she was engaged in teaching, educating a new generation of artists and choreographers. Thanks to her work, Kazakh folk dance received stage embodiment and became an integral part of professional art. In 1958, she was awarded the title of People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR, and later engaged in scientific work, studying and popularizing folk dances of Kazakhstan.

Her contribution to the culture of Kazakhstan is enormous, and today her name is associated with the preservation and development of national choreographic art. In Almaty, there is a republican choreographic school inspired by her heritage, and her productions continue to be performed on the stages of the country.

Dimash Kudaibergen (full name: Dinmukhammed Kanatuly Kudaibergen, born May 24, 1994) is a Kazakh singer, composer and musician with a unique vocal range spanning more than six octaves. His name became known throughout the world thanks to his incredible voice, performance technique and artistry.

He was born in Aktobe (Kazakhstan) into a musical family. From childhood, he showed outstanding vocal abilities, studied music from the age of five. He graduated from the Kazakh National University of Arts, where he studied academic singing.

Dimash gained worldwide fame after participating in the Chinese vocal show “Singer” (2017), where he amazed millions of viewers with his powerful voice and technique. Performing complex compositions such as “S.O.S d’un terrien en détresse”, “Adagio”, “Opera 2”, he won the hearts of fans around the world and became an international star.

Dimash is fluent in several vocal styles, including opera, pop, pop and ethnic music. His unique voice combines baritone, tenor and even soprano notes, which makes his performance unforgettable. He has performed on the world's largest stages, including the Kremlin Palace, London's Barbican Hall and New York's Barclays Center Theater.

His work combines Kazakh national motifs with modern music, which contributes to the popularization of Kazakh culture abroad. Dimash's repertoire includes songs in Kazakh, English, Russian, Chinese, French and other languages. One of his iconic songs is “Ұмытылмас күн”, as well as the anthem of his native country “Daididau”.

For his contribution to music, he has received many awards, including prestigious international awards. Dimash continues to delight fans around the world with his concerts, and his army of fans, called “Dears”, is growing every day. He is not just a singer, but a real phenomenon that demonstrates the limitless possibilities of the human voice.