Today, January 16, the calendar marks International The Beatles Day. This date was chosen in honor of the day when the legendary British band began its first performances. The group that gained worldwide fame in the twentieth century also had many fans in Kazakhstan. Proof of this is the monument to The Beatles erected on Kok-Tobe Hill in Almaty. Starting their journey on club stages, the young musicians captured the attention of the world. Who knows – perhaps the student bands of Abai University may one day reach a similar level of success.

The Faculty of Arts at Abai University was established in 1969 and was originally known as the Faculty of Fine Arts and Graphics. Today, nearly one thousand students study across 12 specialties, covering a wide range of artistic fields. Among them are talented painters and sculptors, singers with strong and expressive voices, and musicians who captivate audiences with instrumental performances. Four musical ensembles are actively operating within the university, performing at festive events and creative evenings. Each has already developed its own distinctive style. These include A-Blues Band, the Alash Orchestra, SoundRise, and AUEZ BAND.

The A-Blues Band was founded in February 2022 as a vocal and instrumental ensemble. Its main goals are to enhance students’ musical creativity, develop performance skills, and encourage active participation in the social life of the university. The band includes students who play bass guitar, drums, electric guitar, saxophone, wind instruments, as well as vocalists. The group has participated in the national song festivals “Dos-Muqasan” and “Menің Qazaqstanym”, winning prize places.

One of the creative groups actively involved in the cultural life of the university is the student orchestra Alash. The orchestra consists of seven students and is dedicated to promoting national art by performing works of renowned Kazakh kuy composers and traditional folk kuys. In 2025, the orchestra was awarded the title “Best Student Organization of the Year.”

The SoundRise organization was founded on September 15 of last year. Its mission is to develop young people’s creative abilities and shape a new wave of contemporary music. The group includes performers on the dombra, piano, guitar, and violin, as well as pop vocalists. Despite its recent establishment, SoundRise has already held a solo creative concert titled “The Heart of Disney” and staged the performance “When the Records Come to Life” in collaboration with the Shyn Student Theater.

Founded in January 2025, AUEZ BAND brings together talented students of the university. In February of last year, the band held a creative evening dedicated to the 180th anniversary of Abai, receiving warm appreciation from the audience. The group consists of 18 students who master various musical instruments and possess outstanding vocal abilities.

Kazakh song art can be compared to an inexhaustible ocean, a boundless sea. Hakim Abai, who said “If you love a song, love it as I do,” left behind wise words, profound poetry, and pure, heartfelt songs. It can be said that today’s youth know Abai’s songs by heart. The ranks of student musical organizations, inspired by the history of this calendar day, will continue to grow. Abai University serves to ignite the spark in every student and help their star shine brightly.

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