APersonIndependent states
Abdylas Maldybaev
Composer, actor and operatic tenor (1906–1978), a founder of Kyrgyz opera whose portrait is on the 1-som note.
Abdylas Maldybaev was among the first composers to combine Kyrgyz folk melodies with European techniques.
With the Russian composers Vladimir Vlasov and Vladimir Fere he created six operas, including Aichurek, the first Kyrgyz opera, and he co-wrote the anthem of the Kirghiz SSR.
He also performed as a tenor and actor, and his portrait appears on the Kyrgyz 1-som note.
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Updated: October 3, 2026