Symphony Orchestra of the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory Orchestras and Tours

The Symphony Orchestra of the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory was founded in 1947. The first leader of the orchestra was Professor K. Babayev. Among the early conductors of the orchestra were L. Shargorodsky, F. Mansurov, N. Zharasov, G. Dugashev, R. Salavatov, and T. Abdrashev. Soloists who have appeared with the Orchestra include S. Tretiakov, G.Kremer, T. Grindenko, N. Petrov, A. Musakhodzhaeva, G. Murzabekova, D. Baspayev, J. Aubakirova, Y. Klushkin, R. Agaronyan, M. Sekler, L. Sklavis, M. Letiec and many others. The Orchestra has a vast repertoire spanning Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Lizst, Saint-Saens, Bizet, Ravel, Frank, Mahler, Orf, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Musorgsky, Shostakovich, and many others. In recent years the orchestra has been actively collaborating with French conductors Christophe Mangou and Nicolas Kruger as part of its International Program of Cooperation with the Paris National High Conservatory of Music and Dance.

Many members of the Orchestra have participated in the International Student Symphony Orchestra of Central Asia, joining many talented young musicians from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan

International touring has always been a significant part of the Orchestra’s 60 year history. They have performed in the Big Hall of the Moscow State Conservatory, Colonnade Hall of the House of Union, and in Tchaikovsky’s hometown of Klin. The strings of the orchestra took part in the Festival of Chamber music in Germany in 2000, and the orchestra participated in the International Festival of young orchestras (YoungEuroClassic) in Berlin. In 2006, the Orchestra performed, with Christophe Mangou conducting, in London’s Barbican Hall.

In 2007, the orchestra appeared in the Ninth International Festival of European Youth Orchestras at the Academy San Felice in Italy, and also gave concerts in Florence, Arezzo, and Montecatinni. In 2008, the orchestra made a successful tour of Germany that included concerts in Kassel, Frankenberg, Bonn, and once again appeared at the International Festival of young orchestras in Berlin’s prestigious Konzerthaus.

The Orchestra also maintains an active performance schedule throughout Central Asia. In 2001, they performed in the new capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, with Christophe Mangou conducting and pianist Jania Aubakirova as soloist. Other highlights include a 2002 performance in Bishlek, Krgyzstan with French conductor/composer F. Tehericsen and clarinetist and Luis Sklavis. Also in 2002 the orchestra gave a series of poly stylistic concerts with classical, jazz and folk performers at the Central Square in Almaty with Christoph Mangou conducting.

In 2004, they gave a gala concert in Astana with Alexander Sladkovsky, principal conductor of the St. Petersburg’s Glinka State Opera. Also in 2004, the orchestra performed a gala concert in Almaty in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Kazakh National Conservatory.

In November of 2009, the Orchestra, with conductors Christophe Mangou and Kanat Omaruv and piano soloist Jania Aubakirova, will make its debut North American tour with performances in Los Angeles, Berkeley, Boston, Washington DC’s Kennedy Center, and New York’s Carnegie Hall.

Date Last Edited: 8th October 2009