Brussels immersed in musical symbiosis between Kazakhstan and the EU

A prestigious Brussels setting

The choice of the Fondation Universitaire as venue gave the concert a distinctly European academic and diplomatic aura. Historically a meeting point for scholars, policymakers and cultural actors in Brussels’ European quarter. Its wood‑panelled hall, refined acoustics and made it an ideal stage for harmony between Kazakh artists and the Brussels audience. In addition, the blue and yellow of Kazakhstan’s flag stood alongside the Belgian tricolour, visually underlining the evening’s theme of creating harmony between the two nations.​

Alatau Auenderi brings the steppe to Europe

The musical artists including folk and dance members of the “Alatau Auenderi” ensemble, brought the sounds of the steppe to Brussels. The ensemble was founded by the People’s artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, composer Aset Beiseuov. This event was tributed to the 10th anniversary of the EU–Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) and the 100th year anniversary of legendary composer Nurgisa Tlendiyev, whose music composed much of the programme.

Through dombra-led melodies and folk dances, the ensemble transported the audience to the vast Kazakh steppe while remaining in dialogue with European musical heritage.

Musical highlights: from “Ata tolgaui” to “Alors on danse”

The concert opened with works rooted in Kazakh tradition led by the two presenting hosts: Nurzhan Aitmakhanov & Altynberk Rash. This included orchestral and dance pieces such as “Ata Tоlgaui” and other compositions of the composer Nurgisa Tlendiyev. These musical highlights evoked the memory of ancestors, the rhythm of horseback journeys and the vastness of the steppe. The early musical pieces introduced the dombra as the evening’s main voice, echoing a famous line in Kazakh culture that “A true Kazakh is not a Kazakh without his dombra”. This set an intimate, almost storytelling tone for the entire concert programme. The importance of the “dombra” was emphasized by the participation of Minister-Counsellor Murager Sauranbay of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Belgium & Luxembourg. Mr Murager Sauranbay demonstrated his own dombra skills leaving the audience shocked of this hidden talent. He underscored how the instrument functions as both a cultural symbol and a diplomatic tool.​​

One of the other evenings highlight was the dual-symbiotic performance of the “dombra” and “ saxophone”. The dombra is a long‑necked, two‑stringed lute whose driving, rhythmic “kui” melodies have carried stories of nomads, battles and love across the Kazakh steppe for centuries. This makes the “dombra” a core symbol of Kazakhstan’s unique cultural heritage.

The saxophone, born in 19th‑century Europe and associated with jazz, has become part of Belgium’s cultural fabric through its inventor Adolphe Sax. It’s warm, flexible tone evokes the sound of European urban culture, from concert halls to late‑night clubs. When the dombra’s Kazkh steppe sounds met the saxophone’s fluid, Western melodies, the two created a genuine musical symbiosis. In this case, instruments from both countries proved: "they can speak a shared unified language" on stage from entirely different traditions.

In the second part, the programme moved gradually towards intercultural experimentation. The Kazakh artists paid honour to a typical Belgian song of Stromae called “Alors on danse”. While the familiar Belgian pop hit provided the rhythmic backbone, the dombra and other folk instruments added a Kazakh touch. This turned the piece into a dialogue between Modern Belgian melodies and traditional Kazakh melodies.

Engaging the Brussels audience in Kazakh hospitality

Between musical blocks, the presenters invited the public to an interactive quiz on Kazakhstan’s history, geography and a challenge session. The participants particularly responding quickly and accurately to questions. Speaking of the challenge session , local Belgians actively engaged in playing the dombra & singing in Kazakh language. Those who answered correctly received goodie bags from the embassy of Kazakhstan. This was an interactive reminder of Kazakh hospitality. In which the embassy showed that in Kazakh culture: “ The guest is the most honoured person in the house, they deserve the best food, attention and place”. This engagement broke down the traditional barrier between formal diplomacy into warm “ Kazakh hospitality”. This was a strong signal and warm gesture from the Republic of Kazakhstan to the whole EU.

A growing Kazakh community in Brussels

The event also highlighted how broad and organised the Kazakh presence in Belgium has become. The “Qazaq Society” in Belgium works as a community hub for Kazakhs living in the country. The “Kazakhstan- EU Gateway” (KEG) initiative strengthens strategic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU. Moreover, Kazakh students in Belgium and the wider Kazakh diaspora added a youthful & international dimension, showing how future professionals are already embedded in European academic and social life.

Moreover members of the newly opened “Kazakh Cultural Center in Brussels” that promotes Kazakh language among diaspora contributed to the event . Finally, The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Belgium played the coordinating role, anchoring these organizations & initiatives in official diplomacy blended with yesterday’s cultural event.

Musical Symbiosis opens up new horizons for patnerships

As mentioned before in the final stages of the event, Kazakh folk instruments blended with Western instruments. This evening symbolized the living metaphor of the mission of Kazakhstan to the EU: "building a bridge between East and West grounded in mutual respect". The symbiosis of dombra, kobyz and many more with the typical Belgian Saxophone showcased the unity between the two nations. Furthermore the Belgian hit “Alors on danse”, mixed with Kazakh creativity showed how two musical worlds can enrich one another without losing their identity.

It’s certain that Kazakhstan’s melodies of the Great Steppe found a European home symbolized in mutual “Dostyk” (friendship in Kazakh language). To conclude as Mr Ambassador Roman Vassilenko quoted in his end speech: “Music knows no borders. This concert is vivid proof that cultural dialogue strengthens our ties and opens up new horizons for partnership”.

This article is written by Ibrahimjan Abdimutalipjan.