#Spain #Madrid #Bulat Utemuratov #Shamshi Kaldayakov #Madrid Concert

Celebrating Kazakh Music in Madrid

On October 21, 2026, the National Auditorium of Music in Madrid hosted an exquisite concert named Shamshi Alemi, dedicated to the renowned Kazakh composer Shamshi Kaldayakov. This event marked a significant moment as it was the first time that his songs were performed in Spanish. This concert is part of the international cultural project “Shamshi 100”, aimed at promoting the composer’s legacy and Kazakh music worldwide.

The concert gathered over 350 attendees, including prominent government officials, diplomats, members of the Kazakh diaspora, and students. The evening was not only a musical showcase but also a celebration, coinciding with the Republic Day of Kazakhstan. It was supported by the Kazakhstan Embassy in Spain, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Spain.

Renowned Spanish artists performed popular songs like Anim sen edin, Ana turaly zhyr, Qaidasyn, Syr suluyi, and Baqyt qushagynda, bringing Kaldayakov's music to a new audience. Solists from the National Opera and Ballet Theater of Abai joined forces with the Madrid Festival Orchestra, creating a dazzling collaboration that enchanted the audience.

Danat Mussayev, the Kazakh ambassador to Spain, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “This concert before the Republic Day is a magnificent opportunity to bring Kazakh culture and musical heritage closer to the Spanish public. Performing these works in Spanish allows this music to reach a new audience. I believe the Shamshi Alemi concert will strengthen cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Spain.”

The project serves as a tribute to Shamshi Kaldayakov, whose birth centenary is approaching, with the goal of making his work known to an international audience. Mukhtar Kaldayakov, the composer’s son, highlighted the warm reception their music received, and expressed gratitude to the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation for their efforts in promoting his father’s legacy globally.

As part of the initiative, 20 songs have been adapted into Spanish, French, and English, demonstrating a commitment to cross-cultural exchange. Following Madrid, the concert series will continue in Paris on October 24 and New York on October 28, promising to bring the beauty of Kazakh music to even broader audiences.

In an official statement, Ainur Karbozova, the CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, affirmed, “It is an honor to present the King of Kazakh Waltz to the international public. Sharing Kazakhstan's cultural heritage on a global stage remains a high priority for us.” Founded in 2014, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has invested over $250 million in projects across health, education, culture, environment, and regional development in Kazakhstan, reflecting their commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy and growth.

In conclusion, the concert was not only about music but also about cultural connection, as it bridged the gap between Kazakh and Spanish cultures, showcasing the universal language of art and the enduring legacy of Shamshi Kaldayakov. This initiative represents a step forward in celebrating and sharing the rich tapestry of Kazakhstan’s musical heritage with the world.