Shamshi Kaldayakov's Iconic Songs Shine in Madrid's Spanish Premiere

On October 21, 2026, Madrid was graced by a remarkable concert at the Auditorio Nacional de Música, celebrating the artistry of Shamshi Kaldayakov, a prominent Kazakh composer. In a groundbreaking event, his songs were performed in Spanish for the first time, marking a significant cultural milestone. This concert was part of a broader initiative titled "Shamshi 100," aimed at commemorating the centenary of Kaldayakov's birth. The project seeks to introduce his legacy to international audiences, showcasing Kazakhstan's rich musical heritage while fostering cultural connections.

The concert was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Shamshi Alemi Public Foundation and the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, which has been instrumental in supporting various cultural endeavors in Kazakhstan. Notably, this event was held in honor of Republic of Kazakhstan Day, receiving backing from the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Spain, which underscored the importance of this cultural exchange. The evening witnessed a gathering of over 350 attendees, including dignitaries from the Spanish government, diplomats, members of the Kazakh diaspora, and students, all coming together to celebrate this unique fusion of Kazakh and Spanish culture.

The concert featured captivating Spanish-language renditions of Kaldayakov's most beloved works, performed by talented soloists from the Abai Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre alongside the Madrid Festival Orchestra. Some of the songs that resonated with the audience included Anim sen edin, Ana turaly zhyr, Qaidasyn, Syr suluyi, and Baqyt qushagynda. The ambassadors and organizers expressed their delight at how warmly the Spanish audience embraced these compositions, reflecting the universal language of music that transcends geographical and cultural barriers.

Danat Mussayev, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Spain, emphasized the significance of this concert as an opportunity to present Kazakh culture to Spanish audiences, stating, "A concert ahead of the Republic of Kazakhstan Day is a wonderful opportunity to introduce Spanish audiences to Kazakh culture and musical heritage. Performing them in Spanish opens this music to a new audience. I am confident that the Shamshi Alemi concert will help strengthen cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Spain."

Mukhtar Kaldayakov, the son of the composer and current head of the Shamshi Alemi Public Foundation, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the admiration that Shamshi Kaldayakov's music enjoys in Kazakhstan. "Shamshi Kaldayakov's songs are widely known and loved in Kazakhstan. It was especially rewarding to see how warmly Spanish audiences embraced this music. We thank the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation for helping bring Kaldayakov's legacy to international audiences."

Part of the vision of this initiative includes the adaptation of 20 of Kaldayakov's songs into Spanish, French, and English, expressing a desire to make his music accessible to a broader audience. Following the successful Madrid concert, the international tour will continue with performances in Paris on October 24 and New York on October 28, further amplifying the reach of Kazakh music.

Ainur Karbozova, the CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, expressed her commitment to promoting this cultural exchange on a global scale. "It is an honor to introduce international audiences to the King of the Kazakh Waltz. Sharing Kazakhstan's cultural heritage internationally remains an important priority for us." Since its establishment in 2014, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has allocated over $250 million to various sectors, including healthcare, education, culture, and regional development in Kazakhstan. This concert not only celebrates the legacy of Shamshi Kaldayakov but also highlights the ongoing collaborations between nations in the realm of music and the arts, paving the way for future cultural exchanges.

In conclusion, the performances of Kaldayakov's songs in Madrid represented a pivotal moment in the acknowledgment and appreciation of Kazakh culture on an international stage. As the concert series continues in Paris and New York, it holds the promise of a progressive journey towards cultural solidarity and understanding through the power of music.