There are still blank spots on the world’s musical map – and one of them is the Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan. Kerbez is among the very few ensembles introducing audiences to the rich and little-known soundscapes of this remarkable country.
The Kyrgyz people, a Turkic nation living in the high mountain landscapes of the Tian Shan, possess a rich tradition of orally transmitted folk music. At its heart lies the vast national epic Manas, which was traditionally performed by epic singers and improvising poets known as manaschis and akyns. Founded in 2024, the ensemble Kerbez respectfully translates this remarkable heritage into a contemporary musical language.
The sextet showcases a wide range of traditional Kyrgyz instruments. Foremost among them is the komuz, a fretless two- or three-stringed long-necked lute, joined by wind instruments such as the sybyzgy, a reed flute, and the ocarina-like chopo choor. Vocal duties are taken by Daniyar Abylabek uulu, a traditional epic singer, or »manaschi«. Kerbez also looks beyond Kyrgyzstan’s borders, incorporating songs from neighbouring Kazakhstan into its repertoire.
PERFORMERS
Kerbez ensemble
Azat Bazarbekov sybyzgy, ooz komuz
Dinara Talantbekova kyl kyyak
Daniel Maamytov komuz, ooz komuz
Daniyar Abylabek uulu komuz, vocals
Kasiyet Niyazbekova violoncello
Dastan Birimkulov dobulbas, ooz komuz
PROGRAM
Folk Music and Epic Songs from Kyrgyzstan
