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100th Anniversary of the Birth of Roza Baglanova

Roza Baglanova was born on January 1, 1922, in the Kazalinsk district of the Kyzylorda region. At birth, she was given the name Ürbibi, but she became known to the world as Roza. This name became legendary during her lifetime, inspiring many to name their daughters after her. A vivid example is the People’s Artist of Kazakhstan and Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan, Roza Rymbayeva, who was named in her honor.

From early childhood, Roza Baglanova showed a deep love for music. She developed her unique natural talent and understood that singing would become her true calling. However, the tragic events of the 1930s–1940s did not spare her family. After her father’s death, young Roza, demonstrating great strength of character, became the sole provider for her family. In the 1940s, she enrolled in the Textile Institute in Tashkent, where she could combine work and study. It was there that her artistic journey began. She became a soloist of the State Female Song and Dance Ensemble of the Uzbek SSR and, at the age of 19, went to the фронт as part of the ensemble.

About Qazaqconcert

State Academic Concert Organization “Qazaqconcert” named after Roza Baglanova

The State Academic Concert Organization “Qazaqconcert” named after Roza Baglanova was established in 1960 on the basis of the Zhambyl State Philharmonic in Almaty. On July 15, 1960, by decision of the Ministry of Culture, the creative association became independent from the Philharmonic.

In 1960–1961, the first Artistic Director of Qazaqconcert was Makalim Koishybayev, Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR, composer, and dombyra performer.

The original ensemble of Qazaqconcert included prominent figures of Kazakh culture such as Shara Zhienkulova, Manarbek Erzhanov, Zhannat Omarova, Zhusupbek Yelebekov, Galiya Bayazitova, Rakhia Yesimzhanova, Ulbosyn Turdykulova, Nazipa Tapalova, Roza Baglanova, Makhambet Khamzin, and others. Later, the organization was joined by such renowned artists as Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev, Sara Tynyshtygulova, Aset Eskaliyev, Serik Shukirov, and Gulnar Talpakova.

Between the 1960s and 1980s, numerous concert brigades and ensembles were formed within Qazaqconcert, including “Balbyraun,” “Medeo,” “Asem an men tatty kuy,” “Kyzdar-ai,” “Perne,” “Rauan,” as well as ensembles such as “Vsyudu s pesnei” (Song Everywhere), “Molodost v puti” (Youth on the Road), “Aray,” “Zhalyn,” “Dauren,” the folk instrumental ensemble “Samal,” and creative groups such as “Dos-Mukasan,” “Serper,” and others, which contributed to promoting Kazakh art internationally.

In 2016, Qazaqconcert relocated to Astana and received the status of the State Concert Organization under the Committee of Culture of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Currently, the organization is based in the Central Concert Hall “QAZAQSTAN,” a unique architectural landmark in the CIS region, equipped with modern technologies and recognized as one of the most remarkable concert venues.

In 2021, Qazaqconcert was officially named after Roza Baglanova — People’s Artist of Kazakhstan and National Hero of Kazakhstan.

In 2023, by a Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the organization was granted “Academic” status.

Qazaqconcert represents a wide range of artistic genres, including folk, classical, and contemporary music. Among its leading artists are Altynbek Korazbayev, Aiman Mussakhajayeva, Roza Rymbayeva, Makpal Zhunussova, Aizhan Nurmagambetova, Zhenis Iskakova, Bagdat Samedinova, Kairat Makhan, Aigerim Elshibayeva, Aigerim Balazhanova, Murat Salykov, Karlygash Tulenbayeva, Yerzhan Zhanabergen, Dimash Kudaibergen, Yerlan Ryskali, Aset Zheltyrguzov, Madina Auelbekova, as well as the folk ensemble “Astana Sazy,” ethno-folk ensemble “TURAN,” the State Trio “FORTE TRIO,” the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra, the State Theater “ASTANA MUSICAL,” the Center of Traditional Art “Khalyk Kazynasy,” the Classical Art Department, the vocal-instrumental ensemble “Saz&Soul,” and others.

Over the years, Qazaqconcert has rightfully become a flagship of Kazakhstan’s cultural life, bringing together the country’s finest artists and creative groups. Its concerts consistently attract large audiences, while its diverse musical programs and high professional standards aim to present the best examples of national and world art to the public.