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New York public library expands its collection with works of renowned Kazakh thinkers and composers

Фото: MFA

Фото: MFA 18.03.2025 13:21 622

The New York Public Library (NYPL) expands its collection with works of renowned Kazakh thinkers and composers. This donation strengthens cultural and educational ties between Kazakhstan and the United States, El.kz cites Kazakh FM.

The event gathered Denise Hibay, Director of Collections and Research at NYPL, Jason Baumann, Director of Collection Development and Global Studies, Vladimir Dyo, the founder of Global Music Partnership, and representatives of the Kazakh diaspora in the United States.

The Consul General of Kazakhstan in New York, Rauan Tleulin, presented works by distinguished Kazakh authors, including the literary legacy of Abai Kunanbaiuly, the scholarly work “Abai. Philosopher. Reformer. Humanist” by Zhabaikhan Abdildin and Raushan Abdildina, selected works of Chokan Valikhanov, and anthologies of contemporary Kazakh prose and poetry.

“These works explore various aspects of history, culture, and literature, offering American readers a unique opportunity to engage with Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage”, said Denise Hibay.

The event highlighted the contributions of two great thinkers – Abai Kunanbaiuly and Chokan Valikhanov. Abai, a distinguished poet, philosopher, and humanist, played a vital role in shaping Kazakh literature and cultural identity. Leading global institutions, including Harvard and Oxford, study his works. In 1995, UNESCO recognized his immense contribution to world culture by including his legacy in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Chokan Valikhanov, a scholar and writer, significantly influenced intellectual thought and Kazakhstan’s national identity. His works continue to inspire generations of Kazakh thinkers and writers.

Vladimir Dyo presented the music score for the kuy “Karakemer” for solo violin and strings, composed by the renowned Kazakh composer Kuat Shildebayev. «Published for the first time in the United States, the music score offers western musicians opportunity to expand their repertoire with unique Kazakh folklore, rooted in an epic form of musical storytelling, inspiring creative collaboration», highlighted Dyo.