Kurmangazy Kazakh National Orchestra of Folk Instruments

The Kurmangazy Kazakh National Orchestra of Folk Instruments is the first and most distinguished folk orchestra in the history of Kazakhstan. Founded in 1933 in Almaty by academician Akhmet Kuanovich Zhubanov, the orchestra has become a symbol of Kazakh national music. With nearly a century-long history, the orchestra has toured almost 80 countries worldwide and performs a repertoire of over 5,000 works, including Kazakh traditional music and world classics. In 2020, the ensemble was granted National status. Today, the orchestra consists of around 90 professional musicians and is led by Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Abylai Tilepbergen. Its mission is to make high-quality professional music accessible to audiences and to revive the musical heritage of the Great Steppe.