Maraljan Myrzakulova

The Folk Instrument Orchestra of the State Academic Kazakh Musical Drama Theater named after K.Kuanyshbayev

It was founded on February 1, 2021. The conductor is the laureate of international competitions, Maraljan Myrzakulova.

The orchestra consists of talented musicians, laureates of national and international competitions, each of whom plays several musical instruments. This orchestra, comprising 19 gifted musicians, was formed in February 2021 in the theater’s new building. The orchestra’s repertoire is very interesting and diverse, and it has developed a performance style and high culture of playing. Constantly expanding the repertoire, the orchestra and its leader present to the audience the best works of Kazakh and world music. Special attention is given to complex pieces, rarely performed music, contemporary compositions, including premieres, as well as folk songs, melodies, and works by contemporary authors. The orchestra’s creative projects aim to hone professional skills and delight the audience with new concert programs. The artistic credo of the ensemble is to express genuine love for Kazakh folk music, to preserve it in contemporary life, and to perform the sounds of folk songs and melodies with deep meaning, highlighting their beauty.

With the support of the European Folk Festivals Association, the orchestra participated in the “AsiaFolk 2021” online festival and won the Grand Prix (full ensemble), the 1st degree Diploma (dombyra ensemble), and participated in the international online competition “NOUVELLES ETOILES” organized by France, winning 1st place in the “Classics and Jazz” category.

The online festival in Mongolia took place from June 12-24. Over 200 artists from 11 countries participated in the “AsiaFolk 2021” online festival, with 35 groups competing. The Folk Instrument Orchestra of the K.Kuanyshbayev Theater presented compositions by well-known composers M. Tinalin (“In the Mountains”) and M. Berdigulov (“Shahristan”), as well as the folk composition “Ak sak kulan” during the competition.

The international online competition “NOUVELLES ETOILES” in France took place from May 1 to June 15. This competition was organized with the support of prestigious conservatories and cultural associations. Musicians from Russia, China, Korea, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, and other countries participated in the event. The Folk Instrument Orchestra of the K.Kuanyshbayev Theater presented an ethno-jazz medley of Kazakh folk songs and melodies, as well as Richard Galliano’s “Tango for Claude.”