Postcard from Bishkek

There are several famous quotes that basically boil down to the fact that music transcends language: “Where words leave off … Music begins” … it has “the ability to touch us emotionally where words fail” … as Longfellow put it, “Music is the universal language of mankind“, …and he was a poet … a “wordsmith”! 

Here in Kyrgyzstan it is possible to find all genres of music. Of course, traditional folk music has pride of place – and not only among the Kyrgyz but each of the various ethnic groups represented in the population.  Other forms of music are also well represented from jazz, rock and pop and even rap.

Although classical music, with its routes in European culture, may seem an alien import – indeed, it was brought by the Russians, when they came to the region, along with cuisine, traditions and the orthodox religion and now it is well represented and there is a vibrant classical music scene, especially here in Bishkek.

Although there is a lively and well respected National Conservatory that offers training for the next generation of young musicians, some of the “home grown talent”, (like the violinist/pianist Murat Rena, the pianist Eldar Djangirov – who is also well known for his Jazz repertoire, and violinist Jumash Dudusaliev), some have traveled and made a name for themselves abroad.

It was a group of students and former graduates of the Conservatory that formed the nucleus of the Chui Chamber Orchestra when it was founded on 28th March 1994, with the mission “to promote Kyrgyz classical music”.  

After rehearsing they made their first public appearance at a special presentation on 5th July and then gave performances throughout Bishkek and the surrounding countryside.

The following year they took part in an international festival in Germany … the first of several successful foreign tours – for example in Kazakhstan, Russia and  Turkey - and they have shares the stage with several famous musicians. 

They perform at a number of venues here in Bishkek, (they don’t have their own concert hall but have appeared at all the main venues in the capital), sometimes presenting one of their regular concerts, which are usually sold out, or joining the programme with others for a festival or charitable event … even in orphanages, hospitals and nursing homes.  In some respects this amounts to “missionary work” – taking classical music to areas where only popular classics are usually heard and, according to the orchestra’s Musical Director, (Bolot Osmonov – who has held the post since the inception of the orchestra), people “are afraid of the words ‘classical music’”.

Over the years the composition of the orchestra has changed … with many of the former members going on to further their careers, (often abroad: the Czech Republic, Germany, Mexico, Russia, the United States …), to be replaced by new graduates from the Conservatory.  Many of them are members of other orchestras – there being, I understand, two symphony orchestras and three Chamber Orchestras in the city not forgetting the orchestra os the Opera and Ballet Theater.

 Although they call themselves a “Chamber” Orchestra their repertoire is diverse … from Baroque to classical orchestral works and contemporary music; featuring works of many of the world’s most famous composers.  

They also feature works by traditional Kyrgyz composers in their extensive and constantly growing repertoire.

For those who are on scoial network, they have a page Facebook where they occasionally post photographs and news of upcoming concerts and appearances.

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