Quartet history
The Gaziza Zhubanova State String Quartet is the foremost ensemble specializing in chamber music in Kazakhstan. The ensemble is affiliated with the State Academic Philharmonic, which is named after Erkedali Rahmadiev and is under the jurisdiction of the Akimate of Astana. Ernar Mintayev, an esteemed personality of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has the position of permanent participant and artistic leader of the quartet.
The quartet's history commenced in 1988 under the tutelage of Dina Churenova, a teacher at the Akhmet Zhubanov Republican School for Gifted Children. The quartet was named after Gaziza Zhubanova, a Kazakh folk performer and composer who served as a source of inspiration for the group.
In 1995, as a result of its dynamic participation in competitive events and concerts, and having gained notoriety inside its native country, the quartet was granted official state status. An important chapter in the quartet's existence is their extensive partnership with the eminent figure in quartet art, the esteemed creator of the Borodin Quartet, Valentine of Berlin. The partnership with Rainer Schmidt, a member of the "Hagen Quartet", was remarkable, as the state quartet was chosen through a competitive process. The outcomes of this endeavor included visits to Spain for concerts and enrollment in the prestigious Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofia for further study.
GSK gains its distinctive sound by receiving training from the top quartet schools worldwide, taking part in international competitions, and attending master sessions led by renowned quartets. This exceptional sound captivates the hearts of devoted enthusiasts of high-quality four music.
Instruction: From 1990 to 1995, I attended the Kazakh National Conservatory named after Kurmangaza in Almaty. From 1999 to 2004, I received tuition under the guidance of Professor V. Berlinsky, a member of the renowned Borodin Quartet, in Moscow. From 2004 to 2006, I attended the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofia in Madrid under the guidance of R. Schmidt, a member of the renowned Hagen Quartet. From 2010 to 2012, I received training on the worldwide program "Bolashak" at the Academy of Music in Basel, Switzerland. The class taught by Professor Rainer Schmidt. Workshop participation includes the Amadeus Quartet, Bartok Quartet, Smetana Quartett, Alban Berg Quartette, Yanagek Quartets, Mosaic Quartettes, and Hagen Quartet. Contests: In 1993, the Sakharov Prize was awarded in Moscow City. In 1995, I achieved a position at the international competition of chamber orchestras "Golden Autumn" in Khmelnytsky, Ukraine. In 1999, I achieved third place in the prestigious international string quartet competition named after Shostakovich. In 2001, Moscow achieved 3rd place in the prestigious international string quartet competition named after Shostakovich. Moscow The international competition "Shabyt" includes the Grand Prix and President's Cup.
The user has won the Grand Prix in the international competition "Rovere d'Oro" in San Bartolomeo, Italy, and has also achieved second place at the International Competition "Bellini" in Sicily, Italy.
- Participants who have reached the final stage of the international competition held in Bordeaux, France
- In 2004, the quartet achieved second place in the international string quartet competition named after Shostakovich in Moscow.
- In 2005, they also achieved second place in the international string quartet competition in Osaka, Japan.
- They were awarded a diploma for being the best ensemble at the "Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofia", which was personally presented by the Queen of Spain.
- Additionally, they participated in the F. Mendelssohn International Festival in Hamburg, Germany in 2009.
The State String Quartet named after G. Zhubanova has a broad geographical reach for their tour operations, as they have achieved successful performances in numerous places in Kazakhstan and abroad. The ensemble showcases exceptional performances in prestigious concert venues across Russia, France, England, Austria, Spain, Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Germany, Japan, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Belarus, Qatar, and other countries.
The quartet's repertoire includes chamber music composed by artists from Kazakhstan, the Soviet Union, Russia, and Western Europe. The ensemble in Kazakhstan played several treasures of world musical art for the first time, including Alban Berg's Lyrical Suite and 16 Ludwig van Beethoven Quartets.
The quartet's albums have been recorded by prominent recording companies. In 2000, the album "Kazakh State String Quartet named after G. Zhubanova 'Astana'" was recorded by the Russian company "Russian Seasons". In 2005, the album "Kazakh State String Quartet named after G. Žubanova" was recorded in Spain. And in 2016, the album "Great Steppes Melodies" was recorded in Switzerland by "Divox". The final album has two discs: the first contains recordings of two string quartets composed by Gaziza Zhubanova, while the second features the kyuis of the renowned Kazakh kyuishi, arranged by contemporary artists. The CD was recorded in Switzerland in 2011, featuring the quartets of F. Mendelssohn and produced by the recording firm Divox.
at 2019, the quartet performed at a concert honoring the late folk musician Valentin Aleksandrovich Berlinsky. The concert took place in the Small Hall of the Moscow State Conservatory in Russia. During the same year, the group organized a solo concert at the Royal Opera House in Doha, Qatar.
In the years 2020 and 2021, the State String Quartet, named after G. Zhubanova, executed a complete rendition of Ludwig van Beethoven's collection of string quartets, consisting of 16 quartets in total. The organization organized a series of concerts in honor of the 250th anniversary of the esteemed German composer.
The years 2021 and 2022 were marked by the influence of B. Bartok for the quartet. During that time, the ensemble showcased the first-ever performances of the quartets composed by K. Shildebayev, B. Daldenbaye, A. Toksanbayeva, Al Jayima, and Al Saganbayevo. These compositions were specifically produced for the State String Quartet named after G. Zhubanova. The quartet's experimental project, which integrated academic, jazz, and traditional music, was performed at the State Academic Philharmonic named after E. Rahmadiev under the title "From Classics to Ethno-Jazz". This performance generated a significant impact on the general public. The quartet is continuously exploring innovative ways to blend the sounds of classical academic instruments with traditional Kazakh folk instruments, including sazzirna, zhetigen, kylkobiz, dombra, and others. Their aim is to promote national music globally through their creative endeavors.
In 2022, the quartet took part in the commemoration of the Days of Culture of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Belarus. They performed at the Chamber Hall of the Belarusian State Philharmonic and conducted master classes at the Belarus State Academy of Music.
In 2022, the foursome achieved victory in the inaugural National Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan for their excellence in Umai art.
A notable highlight in the quartet's recent creative endeavors has been their partnership with the esteemed Canadian composer and pianist David Brade, as well as the renowned French pianist Ludmila Berlinskaya.
In 2023, the foursome takes part in the esteemed music event called a Clé des Portes in France.
In 2023, the quartet attended the Republic Day ceremony at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Sofia, Bulgaria.
In 2024, a significant tour of the quartet took place in several locations around Russia. The artists showcased their talents on prestigious philharmonic stages in locations such Kazan, Nizhnekamsk, Izhevsk, Perm, and Ufa.
Members of the quartet:
Aidar Toktaliev is the principal violinist.
Alexei Lebedev is the second violinist.
Bekzat Silavayuly is an alternative artist.
The individual in question is the esteemed artistic leader of the quarter and a prominent figure in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Ernar Mintaev is a cellist.

Aidar Toktaliyev
First violin

"…first violin is like a middle-aged man, endowed with great intelligence and "

— Stendhal about string quartet.

First violin is considered as a distinctive feature of any quartet. His role can not be overestimated. Artist must be greater than just a lead singer, more than just a quartetist. 18 year old Aidar already was a bright star of the violin art and how a diamond was severely polished he took his honored place in the quartet. Starting to learn from outstanding teacher, Nina Patrusheva, who brought such great artists as Aiman Musakhodzhayeva, Gaukhar Murzabekova, Marat Bisengaliyev, Aidar eagerly absorbed the secrets of violin playing. There was not a concert hall where the bright sound of Aidar's violin would not hit the hearts of listeners. And nowadays, he is perhaps the most important reason to go to a concert once again. When Yernar Mynatayev first heard how Aidar plays, it immediately became clear for him that the guy is talented. It was decided that no one will give ready first violin and you have to sculpt it yourselves. Aidar found the work in the quartet more fascinating than studying in conservatories, despite the fact that Aidar graduated from the best conservatory in the country (Conservatory named after Kurmangazy). His tests were performances in the best concert halls, exams – listenings at the famous quartet competitions, where prizes and regalia have always been won with honor and dignity.

Now Aidar's career includes more than 12 years of successful performances as a Primarius of the State Quartet. Aidar plays on a unique instrument made by Italian master of XVII century from the State collection of unique instruments of Kazakhstan.
Alexey Lebedev
Second violin

We dare to refute great Stendahl's words and claim that there is no such a notion as the second violin. It is not an average voice, but a worthy opponent on the fullness of the sound to the brilliantly playing first violin. The brightness of the first violin, by the way, directly depends from the mastery of the second.In 2008, SSQ named after Zhubanova announced the competition for the vacant position of the second violin. The candidates from throughout the country and neighboring countries arrived in Almaty. Among them there was young and ambitious Alexey Lebedev just graduated from the Kazan State Conservatory named after N.G. Zhiganov. He immediately won the attention of the selection committee by his talent and zeal and later perfectly complemented the team. After years of hard teamwork, leader of the quartet – Yernar Myntayev – can confidently declare that they have "magnificent second violin". Alexey is very temperamental and bright. Alexey plays on a instrument made by Italian master of XVII century from the State collection of unique instruments of Kazakhstan.Contact Alexey.
Bekzat Sailaubaiuly
Alto

"As for the viola, it's cute, a bit talkative woman who is constantly striving to take part in the conversation. However, it brings into the conversation a known elegance and while she talks the other sides have a chance to have a rest. In this lady, however, we can notice a secret penchant for cello, which she apparently prefers to all other instruments."

— Stendhal about string quartet.

Viola is a unique instrument. Any quartetist will admit that it is a great success to have a good violist in a team. Bekzat have been raised in the best institutions of Kazakhstan such as Republican school for gifted youngsters named after Akhmet Zhubanov and Kazakh National Conservatory named after Kurmangazy. In these institutuions Bekzat was taught by such great masters as Prof. Saule Zhusupova, the member of the 1st State String Quartet Valeriy Bagautdinov, the student of the founder of Kazakhstan school of viola Jacob Fudiman, Diana Makhmud.

As a leading violist of the conservatory, Bekzat has received the awards of a number of national and international competitions. Furthermore, as the concertmaster of the violas group, Bekzat has toured to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Seoul and Daegu. The great achievements of Bekzat in his professional field had attracted the attention of the head of the State Quartet, Yernar Myntaev. Later, a 3rd year student, Bekzat, received one of the most important offers is his entire career – to become a member of the State Quartet. However, the proposal came into effect only two years later, when he graduated from the Conservatory and received his diploma. The debut of new violist went January 27, 2015 in Almaty and was successfully met by the audience. Now, with Bekzat in the team, SSQ is launching a new milestone in its history. Bekzat plays on the artisan instrument (since 2007), made by special order by Almaty master Vladimir Kolotov.
Yernar Myntayev
Cello

In any sphere to find a good teacher is an element of fortune. Yernar Mynatyev in this sense is very lucky person. Since childhood, he gets into careful hands of great cellist – Sapil M. Zhakeyev, who have already raised the outstanding cellists of Kazakhstan.In the conservatory Yernar gained the secrets cello skills from the venerable cellist Jambul Baspayev. After receiving such thorough foundation, someone might calm down and become a humble soloist. However, this was not true for Yernar. He was addicted to the idea of the quartet and this determined his future. The fortune helped him once more presenting him an encounter with outstanding cellist, quartetist – Valentin Berlinskiy. The usual routine was replaced by fascinating life full of pleasant meeting, musical insights and his transformation into professional. Yernar did not give up his idea even when the group members had changed many times.
And now he has a flair for talented musicians who are now playing with him in the quartet. It was a great success that the team was trained by Rainer Schmidt – the most titled and demanded quartet teacher in the world. The more a man works, the more successful he becomes – Yernar proved this statement. Yernar carries the traditions of both cello and quartet art with dignity throughout his career. His teachers are still alive in every note and every work that the quartet presents to the audience. This is what determines the greatness of talented teachers, even if they leave their efforts continue to live in their students. Yernar plays on cello made by French master in XVIII century.