Young musicians have gathered in Astana, to compete for the title of the most talented artist at the XII International Competition “Astana Merey”. This year, the contest was attended by the musicians aged from 7 to 18 years, in total more than 120 people across Kazakhstan and neighboring countries. Within four days, the jury selected the best artists in the nominations: “Accordion”, “Folk string bowed instruments”, “Dombyra” and “Traditional singing”.

RAUSHAN MUSSAKHAJAYEVA, HONORED WORKER OF KAZAKHSTAN:

Selection criteria for musicians are the same around the world. Artistic singing, performance, technique are taken into account, but most importantly, the musician’s talent, which one can notice from the first notes.

The participant Ayazhan Zhunussova came to the musical contest from Karaganda. She skillfully plays the ancient Kazakh instrument - kobyz.

AYAZHAN ZHUNUSSOVA, PARTICIPANT:

I enjoyed everything. There are a lot of talented children, every year there are more and more participants.

The winners were selected by an international jury - honored arts and culture figures, recognized experts in the field of classical and folk music. The awards ceremony traditionally closed “Astana Merey” contest. Summing up, the organizers noted that the purpose of the contest is to identify gifted children and maintain their interest to the arts. The number of talented children is growing in Kazakhstan every year, the organizers say.