Le Songe d'Abaï

For the first time on the stage of Qazaqconcert, a unique programme will be presented, uniting the world’s musical heritage with a contemporary interpretation of the ideas of the great Abai. The State Trio FORTE TRIO and the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of maestro Maria Benyumova (Austria), will offer an evening where music becomes a philosophical dialogue of cultures and epochs.

Maria Benyumova is a name well known in Europe’s leading concert halls. She has collaborated with renowned orchestras and choirs, and performed at prestigious academies and festivals. Her interpretations combine exquisite precision with emotional depth, turning each concert into a revelation for the audience.

FORTE TRIO is Kazakhstan’s first and only classical ensemble in the piano-violin-cello format, founded by acclaimed pianist Timur Urmancheev. Alongside him, the ensemble features international prize-winners - violinist Maksat Dzhusupov and cellist Murat Narbekov. With their superb artistry and wide-ranging repertoire, the trio has become the country’s most sought-after chamber ensemble, proudly representing Kazakh art on the world’s stages.

Founded in 1991 on the initiative of distinguished violinist Aiman Mussakhajayeva, the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra is one of the nation’s leading musical collectives. Its 90 musicians - prize-winners of international competitions - are acclaimed for their mastery, brilliant technique, and rich tonal palette, performing works from the Baroque era to contemporary music while preserving the finest traditions of the world symphonic school.

A highlight of the evening will be the Kazakhstan premiere of Le Songe d’Abaï (The Dream of Abai) by French composer Pierre Thilloy, written especially for FORTE TRIO. The world premiere took place in France in 2023. Now, returning to the spiritual homeland of its inspiration, the piece will be heard as a musical dedication to the 180th anniversary of the great poet and thinker.

Programme includes:

Gabriel Fauré - Overture and Gavotte from Masques et Bergamasques, Op. 112

Felix Mendelssohn - Symphony No. 4 in A major

Robert Ward - Dialogue of the Joy of Life

Concertos for trio and orchestra are a rarity - always a kind of artistic duel, a creative contest between soloists and orchestra. In Le Songe d’Abaï, this dialogue transforms into a philosophical discourse, echoing Abai’s own ability to unite national roots with universal human ideals. His philosophy of freedom of thought, spiritual search, and harmony will resonate through the music of this remarkable concert.