Zhaniya Aubakirova Presents «Alone with the Piano» Documentary Series
On 22 April 2026, the premiere of «Alone with the Piano», an original documentary series by renowned pianist Zhaniya Aubakirova, took place in Almaty. The project, supported by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, explores the inner world of the musician and the essence of musical performance.
«Alone with the Piano» is a seven-part documentary series that offers a rare insight into the art of performance and the personal reflections that often remain beyond the concert stage. Through a series of intimate conversations, the project reveals the creative process, philosophy and lived experience behind a musician’s public performances.
At the heart of the series is Zhaniya Aubakirova, one of Kazakhstan’s most distinguished classical musicians, whose international career has spanned decades. Drawing on her extensive artistic experience, she reflects on the nature of musical interpretation, presenting performance as a unique form of artistic expression governed by its own principles and truths.
The series explores a wide range of subjects, from the physical and psychological demands of a performer’s profession to the subtle processes of artistic preparation and overcoming stage anxiety. Particular attention is given to the phenomenon of concert presence – the unique state in which genuine musical communication comes to life.
More than a portrait of a musician, «Alone with the Piano» is a thoughtful exploration of the human experience, where music becomes a means of understanding oneself and the world. Blending documentary filmmaking, personal reflection and musical performances, the project offers audiences an intimate perspective on the artistic journey.
The premiere also marked the launch of «Aubakirova Music Hub», a new digital platform dedicated to preserving and promoting Kazakhstan’s musical heritage. The complete seven-part series has been available on the platform’s YouTube channel since 23 April 2026. During the Almaty premiere, audiences were presented with a special feature-length version composed of selected highlights from all seven episodes.
Zhaniya Aubakirova is a People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, recipient of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan, holder of the First Class Order of «Barys», Chevalier of France’s Order of Arts and Letters, and recipient of numerous international awards. Alongside her distinguished performing career, she is a respected educator and cultural leader whose contribution to classical music has been recognised both in Kazakhstan and internationally.
“Supporting this project reflects the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation’s commitment to creating an environment where cultural heritage is not only carefully preserved but also reinterpreted in ways that make it more accessible, relevant and meaningful for contemporary audiences. This is why the Foundation consistently supports initiatives that connect tradition with the present, bringing historical legacy into an active cultural dialogue. «Alone with the Piano» is a compelling example of this approach,” – said Ainur Karbozova, Chief Executive Officer of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.
The Foundation has previously supported a number of initiatives dedicated to preserving Kazakhstan’s literary and musical heritage, including projects focused on the legacy of Olzhas Suleimenov and Batyrkhan Shukenov. Among them are new editions of Suleimenov’s landmark works «AZ i YA», «Ambassador of One’s Land», and «The Book of Poems», published to mark the poet’s 90th anniversary.
More recently, the Foundation launched «Shamshi 100», an international initiative celebrating the legacy of Shamshi Kaldayakov, one of Kazakhstan’s most influential composers and the author of the country’s National Anthem. The project includes the creation of a digital archive of the composer’s works, as well as English and Spanish adaptations of 20 of his songs, which will be published in an international collection.
