86 Years of History on the Brink of Disappearance
The music college in Bishkek opened its doors in October 1939 by the decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the Kirghiz SSR. The first classes began on September 1, 1940. In 1945, the educational institution was named after the outstanding composer, kyaykist, and komuzist Muratala Kureneev.This institution is the only secondary specialized educational establishment in Bishkek that trains musicians: concertmasters, educators, artists of folk and symphonic orchestras, as well as performers of pop music.
According to Esengul uulu, "a special commission was created, and based on the conclusions of the experts, we decided to build a new building on the same site, preserving the design features."
A New Life or an Old Appearance?
The authorities' proposal did not receive support from students and alumni, who appealed to the president with a request to preserve the building. The petition for its protection gathered more than 1,200 signatures.At the moment, almost nothing remains of the old building: the roof and most of the structures have been dismantled. Soon, the area will be completely cleared.
The Future of the Music College
The Ministry of Culture states that a new music college will be built on the site of the demolished building, constructed according to a similar project. However, the construction will be handled not by the ministry, but by the Presidential Administration.
Azmat Zheenaliev, a representative of the agency, previously noted: "Instead of a two-story building, a five-story one will be built with a concert hall and a dormitory. Students are experiencing a shortage of facilities. Project documentation will be prepared, and acoustic solutions will be developed with the participation of specialists."
However, the new building will have to wait: its commissioning is scheduled for December 2026.
