Astana hosted a national contest
of traditional performers on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of akyn
(folk poet), musician, and follower of the ancient Kazakh improvisational
school Kenen Azerbayev. The creative contest featured young and talented
artists, including students from specialized educational institutions from all
over the country. Famous musical pieces of the composer from the Golden Fund of
Kazakh art were performed on stage. Among these were ‘Koksholak’, ‘Shyrka, dauysym’,
and ‘Tugan zher’. According to People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Kairat
Baibossynov, who headed the jury, this event should become traditional enabling
to discover new talents in the country as well as to promote Kazakh traditional
art among the modern youth.
“Our goal is to promote and
popularize traditional Kazakh art, introduce it to youth, and most importantly,
to pass on this knowledge through generations. This can be accomplished by
showcasing the creativity of the followers and custodians of the best
traditions of the great Kazakh akyns when organizing such competitions,” Baibossynov
said.
