Turan (Kazakhstan)

They are the most important musical ambassadors of the Turkic-speaking countries of Central Asia. Seventeen years ago, they created as students of the Kazachse Nationaal Conservatorium Turan — a vivid example of the rich music culture from Kazakhstan and the surrounding Turkic-speaking countries. The five incredibly talented members — Bauirzhan Bekmukhanbet, Serik Nurmoldaev, Maksat Medeubek, Zhantu Dadabayev and Erzhigit Aliyev — play more than 50 folk instruments, such as the dombra, zhetygen, kobyz, sybyzgie, korter, and shankobyz, in a whirlwind show with infectious singing. They also talk about the healing properties of these instruments, about their special magical powers, and touch on the subject of baksy (shamans), because most of their national instruments, such as the dangyra and the kobyz, date from the baksy era. Since its inception, the Turan ethno-folk ensemble has impressed, making them very popular in Central Asia, but also successful in the rest of the world. They have played more than 3000 concerts in 122 cities around the world, including in prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. In addition to well-known Kazakh instruments such as the dombra, kobyz, and zhetygen, instruments from other Turkic countries are also highlighted during the concerts, including the Kyrgyz komuz, the Turkish baglama, and the Azerbaijani kamancha. The variety of sounds can surprise even the most critical ear. If you think all kobyz music sounds the same, prepare yourself for an overwhelming variety of voices: from the sound of the blowing wind to the call of a swan or an eagle — so vivid that you would think it is hovering above your head.