Republic Day Celebrated with a Gala Concert in Washington, DC

Washington, October 26, 2024 – A concert by the ethno-folk ensemble “Sarmad” took place in Washington, DC, as part of their U.S. tour, organized with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the United States, the Akimat of Atyrau Region, and the Academic Orchestra of Kazakh Folk Instruments named after Dina Nurpeissova.

The event was attended by U.S. officials, representatives from American businesses, the expert community, the arts, diplomatic missions, and the Kazakh diaspora.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, emphasized that today’s concert is a manifestation of Kazakhstan’s commitment to music diplomacy - a powerful tool that transcends borders and resonates with the hearts and souls of people worldwide. He highlighted that Kazakhstan, as the heir of the nomadic steppe, offers the world a unique sound of its culture, recreating the melodies of ancient Turkic peoples while preserving age-old traditions.

Deputy Governor of Atyrau Region Zhassulan Bisembiyev, congratulating the audience on the Republic Day, stressed the importance of preserving Kazakh culture and traditions through art. He noted that such events not only promote Kazakh culture but also strengthen intercultural dialogue.

On stage, the ensemble “Sarmad” showcased their virtuosity on traditional Kazakh instruments, as well as unique performances of folk compositions. The artists, including soloists Berik Amantaeyv, Baibakty Idirbay, and Gulbanu Tyulubergenova, captured the hearts of American audiences with their artistry and depth of performance, immersing the audience in the atmosphere of Kazakh musical tradition.