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

Celebrating Kazakh Culture in Madrid

On October 21, 2026, the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid served as the backdrop for an extraordinary concert that honored the legendary Kazakh composer Shamshi Kaldayakov. This event was remarkable not only because of its vibrant musical expressions but also as it marked the first occasion where Kaldayakov's songs were performed in the Spanish language, a significant milestone supported by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.

The concert, dubbed Shamshi Alemi, was organized by the Shamshi Alemi Public Foundation, in collaboration with various cultural partners to celebrate the upcoming centennial anniversary of Kaldayakov's birth. The event aimed to introduce his musical heritage to international audiences, promote Kazakh culture, and foster deeper cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Spain, all while commemorating Kazakhstan's Republic Day.

Among the distinguished attendees were over 350 guests, including representatives from the Spanish government, diplomats, members of the Kazakh diaspora, and students eager to engage with this musical journey. The concert featured well-loved songs by Kaldayakov, such as Anim sen edin, Ana turaly zhyr, Qaidasyn, Syr suluyi, and Baqyt qushagynda, which were beautifully adapted and sung in Spanish by talented soloists from the Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater accompanied by the Madrid Festival Orchestra.

Ambassador Danat Mussayev expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This concert prior to Kazakhstan's Republic Day is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the Spanish public to the rich culture and musical heritage of Kazakhstan. Performing these pieces in Spanish allows us to reach new audiences.” His words resonated with the significance of this event in enhancing cultural understanding.

Mukhtar Kaldayakov, son of the celebrated composer and Director of the Shamshi Alemi Foundation, reflected on the warm reception from the Spanish audience, acknowledging the pivotal role of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation in bringing Kaldayakov's legacy into the international spotlight. This project saw 20 of Kaldayakov's songs translated into Spanish, French, and English, demonstrating a commitment to global cultural exchange. The concert series is set to continue with performances in Paris on October 24 and New York on October 28.

CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, Ainur Karbozova, remarked, “It is an honor to present the king of Kazakh waltz to international audiences. Sharing Kazakhstan's cultural heritage on such a grand scale is of utmost importance to us.” Since its inception in 2014, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has committed over $250 million to various sectors, including health, education, culture, and regional development in Kazakhstan.

This historic concert encapsulates not just a performance of beautiful music but also a bridge between cultures, showcasing the universal language of art and its power to unite people across borders. As Kaldayakov’s melodies fill the air in diverse languages, the essence of Kazakh culture takes a resounding step into the global arena, promising to inspire and connect as it thrives in new forms.

The concert not only celebrated musical artistry but also highlighted ongoing cultural dialogues, transforming how we perceive and appreciate the global influences embedded within our art forms, reminding all of the shared heritage that artists across the world contribute to our collective experience.