Shamshi Kaldayakov's Songs Performed in Spanish in Madrid for the First Time, with Support of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

On October 21, 2026, Madrid’s Auditorio Nacional de Música became the stage for a pioneering cultural event that introduced the music of Kazakh composer Shamshi Kaldayakov to Spanish-speaking audiences for the first time. This milestone concert, part of the international project "Shamshi 100," showcased Spanish adaptations of Kaldayakov’s well-known compositions, highlighting Kazakhstan’s rich musical heritage.

The initiative is a prelude to the centennial celebration of Kaldayakov’s birth and aims to broaden his legacy beyond Kazakhstan’s borders. The project is organized by the Shamshi Alemi Public Foundation and supported by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, both committed to fostering cultural exchange and international awareness of Kazakh artistic achievements.

More than 350 attendees gathered for the event, including Spanish government representatives, diplomats, members of the Kazakh diaspora, and students. The concert coincided with the Republic of Kazakhstan Day, underscoring the diplomatic and cultural significance of the occasion. The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Spain played a supporting role in the organization, signaling official endorsement.

Spanish-language versions of key songs such as "Anim sen edin," "Ana turaly zhyr," "Qaidasyn," "Syr suluyi," and "Baqyt qushagynda" were performed by soloists from the Abai Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre, accompanied by the Madrid Festival Orchestra. This collaboration between Kazakh vocalists and a Spanish orchestra exemplifies the cross-cultural nature of the project.

The diplomatic dimension of the concert was emphasized by Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Spain, who highlighted the performance’s role in promoting mutual understanding and cultural ties between the two nations. This event marked a significant step in introducing Kazakh music traditions to new international audiences.

Mukhtar Kaldayakov, the composer’s son and head of the Shamshi Alemi Public Foundation, noted the warm reception from Spanish listeners and acknowledged the pivotal role of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation in facilitating the global dissemination of his father’s artistic contributions.

The "Shamshi 100" project extends beyond Madrid, with subsequent concerts scheduled in Paris on October 24 and New York on October 28. These events will continue to feature translations of Kaldayakov’s songs into Spanish, French, and English, aiming to reach diverse audiences across different continents.

The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, established in 2014, has invested substantial resources—over US$250 million—in sectors including culture, healthcare, education, and regional development within Kazakhstan. Its involvement in this cultural project reflects a broader strategy to elevate Kazakhstan’s global cultural profile.

This series of concerts not only celebrates the legacy of one of Kazakhstan’s most revered composers but also serves as a bridge connecting Kazakhstan’s musical heritage with international communities. The initiative exemplifies the growing emphasis on cultural diplomacy and the arts as tools for fostering global connections.

While details about the upcoming performances remain forthcoming, the Madrid concert has set a promising precedent for the reception of Kazakh music abroad. It underscores the potential for traditional compositions to gain fresh relevance through thoughtful adaptation and international collaboration.

Ultimately, the "Shamshi 100" project illustrates how cultural heritage can be both preserved and transformed, inviting new audiences to experience the distinctive sounds and stories of Kazakhstan through the universal language of music.