The chamber hall of the Rosa Baglanova State Concert Organization “Qazaqconcert” hosted Maksat Medeubek’s solo concert, "Qobyz Soul".
The audience was taken on a journey through the enchanting world of the ancient kobyz, exploring its rich history and evolution. According to Maksat Medeubek, the concert program was designed as a bridge connecting the ancient and modern kobyz.
"I wanted to answer questions like, ‘What is the current potential of the kobyz?’ and ‘What can be performed on it?’ Some believe the kobyz is suited only for traditional compositions, while others associate it with modern cover performances. That’s why I aimed to make the repertoire as diverse as possible. My goal was for the audience to experience everything the kobyz is capable of—from ancient folk melodies and academic music to contemporary works by local composers and international pieces," Maksat Medeubek explained.
The concert also stood out for its creative collaborations. Maksat Medeubek was joined on stage by fellow artists, including Adilet Salykbay, Tolkynkhan Samghar, members of the TURAN ensemble – Bauyrzhan Bekmukhanbet, Erzhigit Aliyev, Zhantu Dadabayev, String quartet of the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra, Akerke Batyrbek of the Gulder ensemble, and others.
The unique repertoire left the audience in awe. One of the attendees, Zhanar, shared her impressions:
"I’ve always loved the kobyz, but I never imagined it could be paired with so many instruments. Hearing it harmonize with the guitar, piano, and even the bayan was something I couldn’t have dreamt of. It was a delightful surprise and deeply moving. The evening was incredibly impactful for me – it felt like it passed in a single breath. I’m deeply grateful to everyone involved: the organizers, musicians, and choreographers, for bringing this vision to life," Zhanar said.
Zhanar was accompanied by her friend Nailya, who, despite frequently attending cultural events, admitted she had never experienced anything quite like this concert before.
"Honestly, the repertoire was astonishing. It included both traditional Kazakh pieces and international compositions. Once again, I was reminded of how rich and versatile the sounds of our traditional instruments are. Truly, as Mr. Maksat said, the kobyz carries a unique depth and mystery. I believe everyone in the audience tonight discovered something meaningful and personal through its music," Nailya shared.
