The House of Music, memory and inspiration of the great composer -
Cultural attractions of Almaty -
The Nurgisa Tlendiev Memorial Museum is one of the most inspiring places in Almaty, where the history of Kazakh music comes to life, and every room is filled with the spirit of creativity and the warmth of the great maestro's soul. This museum carefully preserves the memory of a man whose name has become a symbol of the musical genius of Kazakhstan. Here, the visitor does not just get acquainted with the exhibits – it is as if he enters a world where music sounds in every object, photo and note.
The museum was opened in 2014, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the birth of Nurgisa Atabayuly Tlendiev, People's Artist of the USSR, composer, conductor, dombrist, teacher and founder of the legendary orchestra of folk instruments "Otyrar Sazy". It is located in the house where the maestro lived with his family, created his works and received guests – musicians, students, colleagues and friends.
The life and work of Nurgisa Tlendiev
Nurgisa Tlendiev was born on April 1, 1925 in the village of Shilikemer (village of Nurgisa Tlendiev), Almaty region. From a young age, he showed an extraordinary ear for music and a love for the dombra. His talent was noticed at school, and then he entered the Moscow Tchaikovsky State Conservatory, where he received an academic degree in composition and conducting.
Tlendiev became one of the key figures in the history of Kazakh music of the 20th century. He created a special style in which he combined folk motifs and symphonic sound. In 1982, on his initiative, the orchestra of folk instruments "Otyrar Sazy" was created, a collective that has become a real cultural asset of Kazakhstan.
Among his most famous works are "Ata tolgauy", "Makhambet", "Otyrar sazy", "Alatau", "Zher–Ana", as well as music for cult films "Kyz Zhibek", "Menin atim Kozha", "Atamann akyry". His works are filled with light, patriotism, sincerity and respect for his native land.
For his contribution to the development of culture, Nurgisa Tlendiev was awarded the title of Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan, the title of People's Artist of the USSR, and numerous state prizes and orders.
The architecture and atmosphere of the museum
The museum is located in a one-story house in a cozy area of Almaty, surrounded by greenery. This is not just a museum, it is the composer's real home, where everything is preserved as it was during his lifetime. The architecture of the house is modest and warm, with elements of Soviet modernism typical of the homes of the intelligentsia of the 1960s and 70s.
There are trees in the courtyard, under which, according to relatives, the maestro often sat with a dombra in his hands, composing melodies. The atmosphere of the museum is special – the silence here is filled with life.
There are several halls inside: the memorial hall, where the interior of his personal office and living room has been preserved; the creative hall, where manuscripts, sheet music, posters and concert costumes are displayed; the music hall, where his works are performed and chamber evenings are held.
On the walls there are family photos, rare shots from performances and meetings with great artists. A special place is occupied by dombra Nurgisi, a symbol of his soul. His baton, awards, letters from colleagues, old scores and concert posters are displayed in the windows.
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How to get there and visit -
The Memorial Museum of Nurgisa Tlendiev is located in the southern part of Almaty, at 116 Kunaeva Street, Medeu district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°15'12"N 76°57'04"E
The easiest way to get to the museum is by car or taxi. If you use public transport, your option is bus number 112, which follows Kunaev Street.
Working hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00 (Monday is a day off)
Contacts: +7 727 291 63 41; +7 707 463 31 02
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Legend and memory
There is a beautiful legend connected with the museum. It is said that on warm summer evenings, when the setting sun illuminates the windows of the house, light sounds of dombra can be heard in one of the rooms. People who have been here claim that this is not an accident – it is as if Nurgisa's spirit returns to play a few chords of her favorite melody.
There is a belief that if you touch the maestro's pen or dombra and mentally wish for creative inspiration, it will surely come. It is no coincidence that many young musicians come here before performances to receive a piece of the great man's strength and kindness.
The museum is also a venue for festivals, memorial evenings, conservatory alumni meetings, and master classes. On Nurgisa Tlendiev's birthday, musicians and fans from all over the country gather here to perform his works and pay tribute.
A Touch of Genius
The Nurgisa Tlendiev Memorial Museum is not just a house turned into a museum. This is a living history of Kazakh culture, a place where memory, inspiration and music combine. Everyone who has been here leaves with a sense of inner peace and pride for their people.
For a tourist, this is an opportunity to see Kazakhstan from a different perspective – through music, through the fate of a man who devoted himself to art. The Tlendiev Museum is a place where you feel that art is truly immortal. Here, the past and the present resound in unison, and the maestro's melodies continue to live in the hearts of people.
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