Few musicians can claim to have left as profound an impact on the classical music landscape as Marat Bisengaliev. An internationally renowned violinist, he has been hailed by The Times as a “brilliant violin soloist” and by Fanfare as “a latter-day Ysaÿe.” Over the course of his illustrious career, he has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, recorded critically acclaimed albums, and championed the works of composers both familiar and undiscovered.
Beyond his solo career, Bisengaliev has played a pivotal role in shaping orchestral music in both India and Kazakhstan. As the founding Music Director of the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), which he established alongside Khushroo N. Suntook, Chairman of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), he has built an ensemble that now enjoys a global reputation. Under his leadership, the SOI and its Music Academy have nurtured generations of musicians, bringing Western classical traditions to a new audience. His contributions have now been recognised by his homeland, Kazakhstan, which appointed him as a Goodwill Ambassador.
In this conversation, Marat Bisengaliev reflects on his journey—from his early training at the Tchaikovsky Conservatoire to his role in shaping India’s first and only professional orchestra. He shares insights into the SOI’s evolution, his vision for the next generation of musicians, and how he balances his many roles as performer, educator, and artistic leader.
Nikhil Sardana: First and foremost, congratulations on being appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador of Kazakhstan. This is a tremendous honour, and I believe you are among the first to receive it. How does this recognition make you feel?
Marat Bisengaliev: Thank you. I have received many awards in Kazakhstan, but this one is particularly special to me. It acknowledges my international standing and the efforts I have made to promote Kazakhstan on the global stage. Here in India, people not only recognise my contributions but also the talented musicians from Kazakhstan who have been part of the SOI from its inception. Some of them have been here for over 20 years.
Beyond the orchestra, the SOI Music Academy is equally significant, if not more so. The academy represents the foundation of Western classical music traditions in India and is essential for nurturing the future of this art form in the country.
Last October, Marat Bisengaliev presented a groundbreaking concert at the Astana Opera, introducing the innovative ‘quad sound’ technique. This unique setup involved placing the orchestra and choir in specially designed acoustic areas, creating a dynamic and immersive listening experience throughout the hall. Alongside Bisengaliev’s virtuoso performance, the concert featured saxophonist Arukhat Mussaipov, multi-instrumentalists Serik Nurmoldayev, Anar Kassymova, Abzal Arykbayev, Askar Soltangazin, and young vocalist Anna Yudenich, whose soulful voice resonated deeply with the audience. The Astana Opera Choir, under the direction of Beimbet Demeuov, contributed with powerful choral parts. The program included a diverse selection of compositions, such as ‘Dala’, ‘Air’, ‘Abai’, and ‘Zhelsiz Tunde Zharyq Ai’, highlighting Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage and celebrating a remarkable collaboration of artistry and innovation. Photos: Astana Opera
NS: Speaking of the SOI, under your leadership, it has grown into a globally recognised ensemble. Having performed extensively in India and abroad, what milestones stand out to you in this journey?
MB: It is difficult to pinpoint a single defining moment, as the journey has been filled with many achievements. In the early years, I was deeply involved in building the orchestra, both as a conductor and an organiser. Over time, we have had the privilege of working with esteemed conductors like Zubin Mehta, Charles Dutoit, Martyn Brabbins, and Carlo Rizzi. Their contributions have elevated the orchestra to a truly world-class level.
That being said, an orchestra is always evolving. My focus now is on creating a supportive and familial atmosphere for the musicians, ensuring they have the resources and environment necessary to thrive. We also prioritise recruiting musicians who are not only exceptional performers but also dedicated educators, as they play a crucial role in shaping the next generation through the SOI Music Academy.
NS: The SOI Music Academy has emerged as one of the finest music education institutions in India, with students now pursuing studies at prestigious institutions worldwide. What was your vision when establishing the academy, and what are your aspirations for its future?
MB: When I first arrived in India in 2004, I was struck by the lack of high-quality Western classical musicians. While the idea of starting an academy was always at the back of my mind, I knew that we needed to first build a foundation. We began by focusing on numbers—creating a pool of students through the Suzuki method under the leadership of Yuka Honda. This initiative was highly successful, producing hundreds of young musicians and eventually laying the groundwork for the SOI Music Academy, which was formally established a decade later.
Today, the academy is over 11 years old, and our focus has shifted towards excellence rather than expansion. Initially, we also introduced training programmes for self-taught musicians who had remarkable talent but lacked formal education. This ‘trainee programme’ remains an integral part of our efforts, allowing promising musicians to develop their skills and, in some cases, transition into full-time roles within the SOI. One such success story is Prayash Biswakarma from Kalimpong, who started as a trainee and is now a key member of the orchestra.
NS: For young musicians in India aspiring to join the SOI or pursue a professional career in music, what qualities do you look for during auditions? What advice would you give to young string players?
MB: When auditioning musicians, I first look for human qualities—dedication, work ethic, passion for music, and loyalty. Technical skill and talent are, of course, essential, but the ability to learn quickly and adapt is equally important.
For young string players, I encourage them to focus on discipline and perseverance. Unlike other career paths, professional musicianship demands not only talent but also an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. We welcome aspiring musicians from all over India into our training programmes, even those with minimal formal education, because sometimes the greatest talent is hidden in unexpected places.
NS: As a world-class violinist with a demanding international schedule, how do you manage to balance your commitments between performing, teaching, and leading the SOI?
MB: It all comes down to setting priorities. Earlier in my career, I was performing over 150 concerts a year while also teaching at the Birmingham Conservatoire. Over time, I realised that while performing in prestigious venues and collaborating with great orchestras was fulfilling, I wanted to contribute more meaningfully to the future of classical music.
My work with the SOI and its academy allows me to shape the musical landscape in India, which is a deeply rewarding endeavour. That being said, I continue to perform internationally, but I now focus on engagements that align with my broader artistic and educational vision.
NS: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the SOI and the SOI Music Academy in the coming years?
MB: My primary goal is sustainability. I want the orchestra and academy to continue flourishing long after my tenure. This means developing a new generation of musicians who are not only outstanding performers but also passionate educators. We are working on strengthening partnerships with global institutions and expanding opportunities for our students to gain international exposure.
The long-term success of Western classical music in India depends on strong educational foundations. If we continue on this path, I believe we will see more Indian musicians making a mark on the world stage in the years to come.
Source:https://serenademagazine.com/marat-bisengaliev-a-life-in-music-and-leadership/