
2025, April 14
Share this articleWhat began as a modest group of dombra players has evolved into one of Nazarbayev University’s most vibrant cultural ensembles.
This month, the NU Orchestra marked its 10th anniversary with a two-day concert titled A Note to Remember, offering a sweeping program that bridged Kazakh tradition and contemporary global soundscapes.
The performance unfolded in two distinct acts. The first paid tribute to Kazakhstan’s rich musical heritage, featuring orchestral arrangements of national classics that brought depth and nuance to familiar melodies. The second part ventured into the global repertoire, with the orchestra taking on rock anthems, pop hits, and cinematic soundtracks—each reinterpreted through a fresh, youthful lens.
Aliya Sali, the orchestra’s conductor, reflected on the milestone: “NU Orchestra is like a diamond, carefully cut by a decade of history and dedication. It reflects the story of music and culture through the prism of passion and perseverance.”
More than just a musical group, the NU Orchestra has become a symbol of artistic collaboration and cultural dialogue on campus—where tradition meets innovation, and where students come together in harmony, both literally and figuratively.