The opening ceremony of the exhibition “Sources of Inspiration: The Legacy of Nurgisa Tlendiev” took place at UNESCO headquarters. It was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.

The exhibition became an international recognition of Nurgisa Tlendiev – a composer, conductor, Halyk Kaharmany and living legend of Kazakh music, whose name is forever inscribed in the Golden Fund of not only Kazakh, but also world culture. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Nurgisa Tlendiev’s birth. This significant date is included in the UNESCO Calendar of Memorable Dates.

The exhibition presents about 70 unique exhibits from the funds of the Almaty City Museum Association: rare manuscripts, scores, personal belongings, as well as the legendary "Dariga Dombyra", presented to the composer by Akhmet Zhubanov - the one who first saw talent in young Nurgis and recommended his mother to send her son to a music school. The exhibition consists of six thematic sections, each of which reveals a separate aspect of cultural heritage: from the sources of inspiration to the broad context of the Kazakh musical tradition.

Among the guests of the opening ceremony were ambassadors and diplomats of UNESCO member states, representatives of the Organization's Secretariat, residents and guests of Paris, as well as compatriots living in France. As noted by the Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to UNESCO Askar Abdrakhmanov, this event is not just a tribute to the great master, but also evidence of the living tradition of Kazakh and Turkic music, which continues to develop, including thanks to the legacy he left behind.

The exhibition was organized by the Association of Museums of Almaty with the support of the Almaty Akimat and the Permanent Delegation of Kazakhstan to UNESCO in Paris and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation. The project is aimed at popularizing the musical heritage of the Kazakh people in the international arena and provides a rare opportunity to get acquainted with the work of the legendary founder of the Otyrar Sazy Orchestra.

Nurgisa Tlendiev is one of the greatest figures of Kazakh musical culture, the author of more than 500 works that have become part of the golden fund of national art. He wrote music for more than 50 dramatic performances, about 20 feature films. During his career, Nurgisa Tlendiev was the chief conductor of the Kazakh Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Abay, the Kazakh State Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments named after Kurmangazy and the orchestra of folk instruments "Otyrar sazy" organized by himself.

The exhibition is open to the general public at UNESCO headquarters until June 19, 2025.