Paris, 13 June 2025 — The UNESCO Headquarters in Paris hosted the official opening of the exhibition “Roots of Inspiration: Legacy of Nurgisa Tlendiev”, dedicated to the centennial of the outstanding Kazakh composer, conductor, and master of traditional dombra kuy music.

The reputable intergovernmental organization’s 42^nd General Conference previously included this jubilee in the list of anniversaries with which UNESCO is associated in 2024–2025 in recognition of Tlendiev’s remarkable contribution to the cultural heritage not only of his nation but of all humanity.

The exhibition was jointly organized by the Akimat (City Administration) of Almaty, the Permanent Delegation of Kazakhstan to UNESCO, and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.

The exhibition was curated by the Almaty Museum Association as it features nearly 70 valuable exhibits from the collections of the Ykhlas Museum of Folk Musical Instruments and the Nurgisa Tlendiev Memorial Museum. Among them are traditional instruments whose ancient sounds served as a vital source of creative inspiration for Tlendiev — the founder of the legendary folkloric-ethnographic ensemble Otyrar Sazy.

Divided into five thematic sections, the exhibition traces the composer’s life journey, reflecting both his artistic development and the evolution of Kazakh music within folkloric and academic traditions.

A special section of the exhibition showcases musical instruments of Turkic peoples, emphasizing the shared roots and the cultural diversity of the Turkic world.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Permanent Delegate of Kazakhstan to UNESCO, Ambassador Askar Abdrakhmanov, said: “Nurgisa Tlendiev was more than a musician – he was a true chronicler of the Kazakh music soul. Today’s exhibition is not only tribute to Maestro but also a celebration of the living tradition of Kazakh and Turkic music – a tradition that continues to endure also thanks to his legacy.”

In his turn, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone, noted that Tlendiev’s  music played an important role in shaping modern Kazakh national identity as he grounded his creativity in spiritual memory of his people while remaining open to contemporary influences.

“Tlendiev’s work reflects something we recognize across all cultures: the power of bringing different elements together. A single note can be beautiful, but it takes many to create harmony. In the same way, when diverse voices are heard and respected, something lasting and meaningful can be built. This idea lies at the heart of UNESCO’s mandate: to promote peace, dialogue, and cooperation across cultures,” he emphasized.

President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Aktoty Raimkulova, highlighted that “Tlendiev’s work united the rich legacy of traditional Kazakh music with modern forms, enriching the cultural treasury of both the Turkic world and humanity overall.”

Conveying the warm greetings from Akim (Mayor) of Almaty Darkhan Satybaldy, representative of his office Altynai Alimkhanova said the exhibition’s main goal was to introduce international audiences to the musical heritage of the Kazakh and Turkic peoples and to promote our spiritual wealth through traditional musical instruments. “I wish the exhibition great success and hope it leaves a lasting impression and deep inspiration on all guests”, she added.

One of the most moving moments of the ceremony was the heartfelt address by the composer’s daughter, Dinara Tlendiyeva. “It is a great honor for me to be at UNESCO today, in a year when my father’s name is being celebrated. His music has united generations, safeguarded traditions, and stirred deep emotions. Within it, one hears the soul of the steppe, our history, and national pride. I thank UNESCO for helping preserve our shared memory and for building bridges between cultures.”

Among the guests were ambassadors and diplomats of UNESCO member states, representatives of the UNESCO Secretariat, music lovers from Paris and beyond, and members of the Kazakh diaspora living in France.

In the concluding part of the ceremony, renowned performers of Kazakh folk music — Yerkin Kudaibergen and Serik Nurmoldayev — performed several well-known works by Nurgisa Tlendiev on traditional instruments, powerfully conveying their emotional depth and vitality.

The exhibition will remain open to the public at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris until 19 June 2025.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-unesco/press/news/details/1017497?lang=kk