Music of Unity
2,000 Kazakh schoolchildren unite in a record-breaking flash mob for Unity Day
On the eve of May 1—Unity Day of the People of Kazakhstan—nearly 2,000 schoolchildren aged 10 to 16 gathered at the foot of the Nur Alem sphere in the capital to take part in a grand flash mob titled "Kazakhstan—Our Common Home." United as an orchestra, they played national and classical instruments in perfect harmony.
The event brought together students from Astana's music and art schools, as well as general education institutions. Together, they performed Altyn Úya (Golden Nest), a celebrated kui (traditional instrumental piece) by the renowned Kazakh composer and kui master Karshyga Akhmedyarov—a work that embodies love for one's homeland.
The young musicians played a mix of national instruments—dombra, kobyz, and zhetygen—alongside classical ones like violins, flutes, and saxophones, their combined sound symbolizing the unity of Kazakhstan's multicultural society. Organizers emphasized that the event's core mission was to remind everyone, through music, that Kazakhstan is a shared home for all its people.
By all accounts, they succeeded. Participants described the flash mob as an unforgettable experience, with the performance of Altyn Úya deepening their connection to their native land. Students like Emir Kenzhegali and Amir Omarov from School No. [X] shared that the event left them with an overwhelming sense of patriotism, camaraderie with fellow musicians, and the sheer joy of making beautiful music together.
"Today was a huge event! Two thousand performers playing the dombra at once—it was mesmerizing! This was an incredible experience for us," Emir said. He has been playing the dombra for seven years and, though he plans to become an engineer, has no intention of giving up his instrument.
"It was amazing! I could feel all of us merging into one rhythm, one melody—it sounded incredible together," his classmate Amir added.
The students agreed that initiatives like this help preserve and promote cultural traditions. Amir, who dreams of becoming a pilot, is certain the dombra will remain a lifelong companion.
Aizhan Zarylgasina, who leads the dombra club at School-Lyceum No. 89 named after Dulat Babataiyuly, noted that preparations took about a month. The choice of Altyn Úya was no accident—the piece resonates with children for its melody and the deep emotional response it evokes.
"I'm so glad we could be part of this flash mob. For me, it was the first time performing for such a huge audience," said Rayana Oserbay, a student who has been playing the dombra for less than two years. "Altyn Úya is one of my favorites—that's probably why it's so easy and joyful to play."*
The flash mob became a vivid embodiment of unity in diversity: different instruments, varying skill levels, and distinct dreams—all coming together in a single, harmonious sound.
