Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival’s Four-City Tour Strengthens India-Kazakhstan Cultural Ties

As part of the celebrations marking the International Yoga and Music Day, the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival (LGMF) recently concluded a four-city tour of Kazakhstan, presenting memorable evenings of music in Aktobe. 

According to LGMF, the Kazakhstan tour marked one of the organization’s most significant international collaborations, further strengthening cultural ties between India and Kazakhstan while leaving audiences inspired by an “unforgettable celebration of artistic excellence.”

These performances took place at the Aktobe Regional Philharmonic Hall on June 16, Kostanay at the Kostanay Regional Philharmonic Hall on June 18, Kokshetau at the Akmola Regional Philharmonic Hall on June 20, and culminating with a grand finale at the Erkegali Rakhmadiyev Philharmonic Hall in Astana on June 21. 

The tour marked another significant milestone in the LGMF’s mission of building “cultural bridges through music and fostering artistic collaborations across the world.” Audiences were presented with the rare opportunity to experience the symphonic works of Padma Vibhushan Dr. L. Subramaniam, performed by the Astana Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Abzal Mukhitdin, People’s Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

A pioneering figure in contemporary orchestral music, Dr. Subramaniam became the first Asian composer to write a major symphonic work in 1983. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, London Philharmonic Orchestra, USSR Large Radio and Television Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, and numerous others. With more than 40 orchestral compositions to his credit, the majority of his works are published by Schott Music, reflecting his enduring contribution to the global symphonic repertoire.

Transformation, a new orchestral composition by Dr. Subramaniam, featuring violinist Ambi Subramaniam as the soloist, premiered during this tour. The work reflects the composer’s innovative vision, allowing the featured solo instrument to be changed while preserving the integrity of the composition—a testament to its remarkable musical architecture and versatility.

The orchestra also presented the magnificent Navagraha Symphony, featuring Padma Shri Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam, Bindu Subramaniam, Ambi Subramaniam and Mahati Subramaniam. Inspired by the nine celestial bodies of Indian tradition, the symphony had its world premiere earlier this year during the Astana Philharmonic Orchestra’s five-city tour of India, organized by LGMF.

Its performances in Kazakhstan completed a remarkable cultural exchange, bringing the work full circle and allowing home audiences to experience this landmark composition.

One of the most memorable moments of each evening came, according to LGMF, when Kavita Krishnamurti delighted audiences with three of her beloved Bollywood classics—Bole Chudiyan, Nimbooda, and Dil Ne Kaha. At the special request of Maestro Abzal Mukhitdin, these iconic songs were specially orchestrated and transformed into grand symphonic presentations, according to LGMF. 

Accompanied by the full orchestra and choir, the performances received enthusiastic standing ovations and highlighted the seamless fusion of Indian cinema, classical orchestration, and the Western symphonic tradition.

Another defining highlight of the concerts was Dr. Subramaniam’s deeply moving violin concerto Shanti Priya, which showcased his unparalleled virtuosity, lyrical expression, and extraordinary command of the instrument, noted LGMF. The performance drew sustained applause and standing ovations, leaving audiences deeply moved by its emotional depth and musical brilliance.

The concerts in Kokshetau and Astana were further enhanced by the participation of the renowned Gakku Ballet. Featuring elegant choreography by Gulmira Ordabayeva, the dancers brought an evocative visual dimension to the music, seamlessly intertwining movement and melody to create a captivating multisensory experience. The collaboration between orchestra, soloists, and ballet was met with resounding cheers and standing ovations, leaving a lasting impression on audiences while celebrating the universal language of music and dance, added LGMF. 

As an exhilarating encore, Dr. Subramaniam and Ambi Subramaniam performed the composer’s iconic conversations, captivating audiences with their extraordinary virtuosity, musical dialogue, and improvisational brilliance. The concerts concluded with a “stirring” orchestral rendition of Vande Mataram by Kavita Krishnamurti, specially arranged by Dr. Subramaniam and performed by the full orchestra, choir, and Festival artists. The powerful finale brought audiences to their feet, symbolizing the spirit of friendship, unity, and cultural exchange that defined the Kazakhstan tour.

The overwhelming response from audiences across all four cities reflected the growing appreciation for Dr. Subramaniam’s “orchestral works and the enduring power of music to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries,” LGMF added. 

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