Kadisha Onalbayeva

Pianist and Composer

About Kadisha

Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva was born in Zhetisay, Kazakhstan and began her musical training at the age of five. She is the first pianist from Kazakhstan to be named a Steinway Artist. She attended the Zhubanov Special School for Children in Almaty, Kazakhstan. While at Zhubanov she studied piano and composition, gave piano recitals and was involved in both piano and composition festivals and competitions. Awards include the Soviet Union’s New Talent competition and various prizes in national piano competitions and Central Asia piano competitions. She also participated in international music festivals in Germany, Turkey, Russia, and Uzbekistan. After graduating from the Zhubanov School, Kadisha entered the Kurmangazy National Conservatory of Music. She was awarded the President’s Award for Young Artists and Chevron’s Award for Talented Students in piano and composition.

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I am so excited to share with you the trailer to my documentary “KADI” “Ash Three Studios”, Israel & Ashly Butt (producers).

Kadisha Onalbayeva composed “Alla”, the main theme for the film documentary “Alla Ilchin Muse Dior” which was produced in Paris, France. This film has already won seven awards and was produced by Berlin Irisheff.

Video collaboration with the University of Mobile’s “RamCorps” ensemble from the University under the direction of Kenn Hughes which was filmed at the Steinway & Sons Factory, Queens, NY. It features “Give it One”, arranged by Joe Murphy and “Nutcracker Suite” arrangements by Michael Coleman who also added an original cadenza. Harrison Hughes was the producer & videographer and Chris Springer was the audio engineer.

ANNOUNCING THE GULF COAST STEINWAY SOCIETY!

I’m passionate about giving back to the music community. I’m proud to announce the Gulf Coast Steinway Society. It has long been a dream of mine to afford young, gifted pianists some of the same opportunities I was afforded as a child. In the course numerous performances with school and civic orchestras, I found that Gulf Coast states are full of astounding, inspiring youthful talent. Please on click for more information about the Society and how YOU can get involved!

Learn more at https://gulfcoaststeinwaysociety.org/

Kadisha Onalbayeva is the most famous pianist and composer from Kazakhstan...the first pianist from Kazakhstan to be named a Steinway Artist.

Ministry of Culture, Republic of Kazakhstan, 01.12.2013

Kadisha, your performance of Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue was just amazing! For the first time of my life you made me love and understand this piece! It was so inspired and powerful, so intense, and we could feel the whole New York meaning into your playing! Congrats and thanks a lot!

Eliane Reyes, Belgian Pianist, Costa Rica, 10.28.2015

This is how angels sound in springtime. The audience simply wouldn't allow Kadisha to exit the stage. Encore after encore ensued.

Will Fox Foundation, United States, 06.21.2014

...pianist of the highest caliber with powerful inner expression, bright temperament and artistry.

Professor Tatyana Suleimenova, 5.17.2014

Kadisha Onalbayeva is one of the great pianists of our time. Her playing deeply moves everyone who hears it, whether it is a true judge of art or an amateur listener. Her performance is marked with a high professional level, fiery temperment, generous array of colors and profoundly intelligent interpretation. Collaboration with the musician of this degree brings a pure enjoyment!

Yearner Myntayev, Music Director, National String Quartet of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 5.21.2015

...Onalbayeva performs with an eregy and excitement, which enthusiastically engages audiences...

Maestro Claire Fox Hillard, Albany Symphony, Georgia

THE MINISTER OF CULTURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN RECENTLY FILMED A DOCUMENTARY ON THE LIFE AND MUSICAL CAREER OF KADISHA ONALBAYEVA, STEINWAY ARTIST.

She is the first pianist from Kazakhstan to receive this honor. Onalbayeva is also a composer.  The film is titled “Independent National’s Heritage” which was released in both Kazakh and Russian.

Dr. Onalbyaeva is Professor of Music at the University of Mobile. Seen in the documentary is the premier of her symphonic poem “Zherym” (May, 2014) and her performance of the Liszt Piano Concerto No.1 with the National Philharmonic Orchestra (Almaty, KZ) under the direction of Maestro Karen Durgaryan (Armenia).

All solo piano background in the documentary are from performances by Kadisha Onalbayeva.