Evening of Poetry by Olzhas Suleimenov

An evening of poetry by renowned Kazakh poet and public figure Olzhas Suleimenov, performed by the celebrated actor Sanjar Madi with original music composed by Alim Zairov.

Olzhas Suleimenov is a Kazakh public figure, poet, writer, diplomat, and literary scholar. He is the author of Az i Ya, a book that transformed perspectives on Turkic history and culture. An anti-nuclear leader, he founded the «Nevada-Semipalatinsk» movement (1989), which successfully closed the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and five other sites worldwide. He served as Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Italy, Greece, Malta, and Permanent Representative to UNESCO (2001-2013). He is the creator of the philosophy of conscious interdependence of peoples and cultures and has been the director of UNESCO’s International Center for the Convergence of Cultures since 2018. He is recognized as a Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan and laureate of international awards for his contributions to literature, culture, and peace.

A representative of the «Sixties» generation, Suleimenov wrote in Russian while deeply engaging with Kazakh tradition and literature. His poetry carries immense energy. In spring 1961, he gained wide recognition with the poem Earth, Bow to Man!

Recalling April 12, 1961, in the preface to the poem, he wrote: «Which poet has had such an experience! My improvised creation, hastily written in the morning in the editor’s office, was printed in thousands of copies and scattered from the skies!» Helicopters dropped his verses over the beautiful greenery of Alma-Ata, across fountain-filled squares and elegant streets stretching to the snowy peaks of the Alatau.

His work explores culture and literacy, languages and ethnic codes, brotherhood of peoples, and planetary consciousness-the foundation of UNESCO’s concept of Global Citizenship.

On stage, his voice engages the audience; he does not merely recite but performs, captivates, and provokes thought.

Poetry will be performed by Sanjar Madi, a Kazakh actor and director, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with over 30 film projects to his credit. In 2019, he was awarded «Best Actor» at the Richmond International Film & Music Festival (USA) for his role in Amre. Known for roles in Tale of the Pink Rabbit, Amre, Defenders, Tomiris, Business Kazakh Style, and the TV series Tagdyr and Qazaq: Story of the Golden Man.

Music by Alim Zairov, Kazakh composer and pianist. In 2015, he composed the score for Jasulan Poshanov’s Shlagbaum, winning the «Choice of Kazakh Film Critics» award. In 2016, he received the same award for Akan Satayev’s Road to Mother, which was also nominated for the «Best Film Music» Tulpar Award. He has composed numerous soundtracks for Kazakh and international films.

Almaty, December 4, 19:00

Location: Dostyk Hall, Caspian University (Dostyk 85a)

Duration: 1 hour

Age limit: 12+

Don’t miss this unique and landmark event in our city!

Organizers: Your.Concertmania, part of Tan Media Group, with support from UNESCO’s International Center for the Convergence of Cultures.