If you are lover of music or just would like to listen to a live performance while in Bishkek, look no further than the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic located at the intersection of Manas and Chuy Streets. The Philharmonic, established initially in 1936, is named after famous komuz player Toktogul Satylganov. Even to this day, popular songs and melodies such as Alymkan and Min Kyal can be heard in the Philharmonic.
Philharmoniс – love for harmony. This part of the city has been harmonically constructed. The white marble of the Philharmonic makes an impression by virtue of its being situated on a hill, like an antique temple, with colorful stained glass and hammered copper. The International University of Kyrgyzstan is located on the western part of the philharmonic, with colonnade of the Philharmonic Hall coupled with colonnade of City Hall and a bank situated next door.
For many years the Philharmonic did not have its own concert hall, so concerts were held in various other halls across the city. This included in the Communistic University’s musical school, in a tiny hall located on Dzherzhinskiy Boulevard, or in a hall within the Ministry of Agriculture. During summer months, concerts were traditionally held in the outdoor theater within Panfilov Park. Here concerts could seat up to 800 spectators.
Imagine walking through the park, enjoying vocals from such famous Soviet singers as Zara Dolukhanova, Rashid Beibutov, and Muslim Magomaev. Or famous tenor Mikhail Aleksandrovich. All under the watchful eyes of the Philharmonic’s 1st art director – composer V. Fere. Kyrgyz groups representing the Philharmonic continue to travel worldwide to showcase Kyrgyz music and cultural traditions.
This outdoor theater no longer exists. With the construction of the White House, the outdoor theater was removed. The Philharmonic as you see it today was constructed only in 1980. It serves as the largest concert venue in Kyrgyzstan, and up to 10 groups, including the State grand orchestra, are employed by the Philharmonic. The building has two concert halls: the main hall has 1,108 seats and the smaller organ hall, 314 seats. Concerts of classical, Kyrgyz traditional and pop music are held regularly throughout the year.
The snow-white building of the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic faces the historic complex dedicated to Manas. Here you can see a statue of the legendary hero Manas fighting a dragon on his horse named Ak-Kula. Immediately behind Manas is a 2nd monument of his spouse Kanykey and his Wiseman’s monument. Next to these monuments there are portrait sculptures of Manas storytellers including the bust of the great singer Toktogul Satylganov.
