The 140th anniversary of the birth of the akyn, singer and composer Kenen Azirbayev was celebrated in the capital. The "Halyk Kazynasy" National Art Center of the Roza Baglanova State Academic Concert Organization "Kazakhconcert" presented the concert "Musical Heritage of the Zhetysu Region." The Zhetysu Region Music School is one of the unique traditional schools that was formed by masters of folk art Kaban Zhyrau, Suyinbai Aronuly and Dauren Sal. Its musical and performing traditions are also closely connected with the names of Zhambyl Zhabayev and Kenen Azirbayev. A bright mark in the culture of Kazakhstan was left by an outstanding representative of this school - Nurgisa Tlendiev.

Kenen Azirbayev is considered a student and follower of Zhambyl Zhabayev. He wrote about 150 poetic works set to music. Including more than forty songs accompanied by the dombra.

Kenen Azirbayev is also known to have taken an active part in the national liberation movement of 1916. His songs of this period - "Bulbul" ("Nightingale" - first performed by Dina Nurpeisova), "16 Zhyl", "Bazar Nazar", poems "Ali Batyr", "Kyrgyzbay" - inspired the participants of the movement to fight, aroused in them a patriotic sense of pride for their land, their people.

The concert program included the best examples of song culture and instrumental heritage of the Zhetysu Region. The audience was presented with unique and little-known compositions by Sadikoja Moshanuly and Kapez Baigabyuly.

The musical evening was attended by soloists of the "Halyk Kazynasy" National Art Center and invited guests. Among them are Honored Workers of Kazakhstan Zhangali Zhuzbay, Erlan Ryskali, Kumarbek Kalkatai, Elmura Zhanabergen, Raushan Orazbayeva, Aigul Elshibayeva, Ardak Balazhanova, Nurbolat Arzamasuly, holders of the "Madenihet Salasynyn Uzdigi" badge Kairat Aitbayev, Perizat Turarova, Batyrlan Abenov, laureates of international and republican competitions Bekarys Koshtayev and Bauyrzhan Mukhametbay.