Nurgisa Tlendiyev (1925–1998) was a prominent Kazakh composer, dombyra virtuoso, conductor, and pedagogue. He wrote music for many films at Kazakhfilm, including the classics My Name is Kozha and Kyz Zhibek. In 1981, he founded the folk-ethnographic orchestra Otyrar Sazy, serving as its artistic director until his death. Author of over 500 works – songs, kuis, symphonic and choral pieces. He was honored as People’s Artist of the USSR and awarded the title of Hero of Kazakhstan.