Pianists Present Alexey Shor Works at Eurasian Stars 2023
Images | Winners of the the Eurasian Stars International Piano Competition
The Eurasian Stars International Piano Competition began in 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan, marking the start of an annual event that expanded to various countries. Now, in 2023, the competition returned to Astana for its fifth anniversary, once again providing an opportunity for talented young pianists to compete amongst their peers for a €15,000 prize fund.
Hosted at the Kazakh National University of Arts, Eurasian Stars 2023, which was held between the 25th and 28th of April showcased an eclectic repertoire, including a composition by Composer-In-Residence Alexey Shor. A distinguished panel of judges, including Sara Assabayeva, Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova, Nikita Mndoyants, and Gülsin Onay, evaluated the performances of each of the contestants across the entirety of the contest, identifying the cohort of finalists as well as deciding upon the final standings themselves.
Speaking about the competition’s repertoire, Kadyrbekova noted that "the programme was assembled in such a way as to reveal different sides of the competitors’ creative individuality as well as personality, and it also included a contemporary piece with a lot of interesting aspects. It is not an easy work, but one that needs to be understood, disclosed and conveyed. The sound palette is richly coloured, and it forces one to listen. It’s amazing, like a reflection of the human soul, and it requires a mature attitude to life. It was an excellent choice for such a competition, and I believe it deserves to be performed on a world stage and deserves a place within the piano repertoire."
Incidentally, these remarks were echoed by Onay, who stated that "it’s a very good idea to have contemporary pieces included, both for the composers, who need to get their works to different people with different voices, and also for, the competition participants, the pianists, who get to show their creativity with a relatively new piece like this because they’ve never heard it before so it’s all themselves and that’s very important, it makes a big difference. And this work by Shor was a great choice I think, it is like a bridge from the classical to the contemporary. It has very very rich colours and is very beautiful, I really like it very much".
In all, Eurasian Stars 2023 featured a total of two rounds, and attracted a roster of participants from diverse backgrounds. From the initial round, eight finalists emerged: Mikhail Kan, Stanislav Korchagin, Rashid Rakhimov, Nikita Stetsenko, German Ukolov, Mark Vaza, Zarina Akayeva, and Salih Can Gevrek. Ultimately, Salih Can Gevrek, Mark Vaza, and Mikhail Kan secured the First, Second, and Third prizes, respectively, with Zarina Akayeva and Stanislav Korchagin placing fourth and fifth.
I had a very special experience in Astana in this prestigious competition with very high level artists", Salih Can Gevrek said. "I am extremely grateful to receive the First Prize which gave me confidence that there are audiences that like to listen to my performances, and I put a lot of thought into my programme choices as I wanted to show many different facets of my personality and give the listener a structured programme. I really liked the Shor piece because I very much appreciate it when I hear new music written with a tonal, melodic approach. I think there are infinite possibilities to discover as a composer regarding tonal music. It only depends on one's creativity, and I very much enjoyed this new work; I think it has a great range of expressions, characters and connections between those elements which unifies the sonata in a very unique way, and is extremely well written for the instrument, always conveying different stories, pictures and characters. It is wonderful to perform on stage and the audience also never loses interest, so I will perform it in my concerts for sure!"
Can Gaverk’s performances were commented upon positively by many of the jury members, who also drew attention to the quality of the applicants as a whole, with Assabayeva saying that "the high level of participants, many of whom are laureates of international piano competitions and quite mature established musicians with extensive experience and rich concert activities, was especially noteworthy. As in many music competitions, the use of a specially written composition as a mandatory work allowed the performers to offer their own individual interpretations, which is always very informative. The music of Alexey Shor’s sonata is permeated with melodism; it is a single harmonious canvas, revelling in a grandiose culmination and with a poetry of musical thought that is favourable for the perception of listeners, as the composer speaks deeply and sensitively to the human soul."
While only the top three received prize money, all five pianists at the top of the standings earned an additional reward, since they qualified to participate in the invite-only Classic Piano International Competition in 2024, with all expenses, ranging from flights to meals, to be covered by the organisers.
This opportunity was only made available due to the fact that Eurasian Stars 2023 is part of the '14 Ways to Dubai' project, which sees 14 preliminary piano competitions being held around the world in 2022 and 2023, with the five top-ranked contestants from each stage winning eligibility to participate in the Grand Finale which shall be taking place as part of the InClassica International Music Festival 2024.
The success of Eurasian Stars 2023 amongst the various stakeholders has now set the stage for the competition to continue building from strength to strength in the years to come. Ultimately, as Aiman Mussakhajayeva, the Rector of the Kazakh National University of Arts, noted, "Eurasian Stars provides a platform for talented young pianists from all over the world to showcase their skills and abilities, giving many the chance to mark their professional debuts. As with every iteration, I am sure that this 2023 edition has been the source of unforgettable memories, invaluable professional advice, and new friends and colleagues, and it is my sincere hope that this event may continue to return again and again for countless years to come, for the benefit of all our young pianists as well as our art form itself"!
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12 flights delayed in Astana due to bad weather
Astana International Airport announced the delay of several flights due to monster wind pounding the Kazakh capital, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Earlier this morning, 6 out of 80 departing flights and 6 out of 82 arriving flights have been delayed.
The following outbound flights have been delayed:
- FZ1304 Astana - Dubai
- TK357 Astana - Istanbul
- IQ353 Astana - Atyrau
- IQ437 Astana - Petropavlovsk
- KC7365 Astana - Oral
- DV479 Astana - Sanya
Four flights have been delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions in Astana.
The following inbound flights have been delayed:
- KC621 Almaty - Astana
- KC7316 Kyzylorda - Astana
- DV742 Aktau - Astana
- IQ354 Almaty - Astana
- KC7366 Oral - Astana
- IQ353 Almaty - Astana
One can find details about the status of flights and possible changes in the schedule on the official website of the Astana International Airport www.nn-airport.kz or contact a 24-hour call-center 8 (7172) 702-999.
Flight operations at the Astana International Airport have been disrupted due to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and snowstorms since November 6.
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Over 40 kulans transported to Ile-Balkhash Reserve to restore species' population
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The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in cooperation with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), has successfully completed the next stage of the kulan reintroduction as part of the Turan tiger habitat restoration initiative. This month, more than 40 kulans were transported from Altyn Emel National Park to the Ile-Balkhash Reserve. In 2022, as part of this initiative, the first 60 kulans were relocated and successfully adapted to their new environment, Kazinform News Agency cites the UNDP Kazakhstan press service.
The kulan disappeared from Kazakhstan in the 1930s. To restore the population of this species, a long-term reintroduction project was implemented in several stages. Between 1953 and 1961, 14 kulans were transported to Barsa-Kelmes Island from the Badkhyz Nature Reserve in Turkmenistan. When their population on the island reached 200, the next stage-moving them to the mainland-began. This is how the kulans ended up in Altyn Emel National Park, where the restored population has become one of the most successful cases in the world regarding the reintroduction of wild odd-toed ungulates and currently represents the largest free-ranging population of kulans.
Today, in South Balkhash, the initiative to reintroduce the Turan tiger is being implemented within the territory of the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve. In this context, extensive efforts are being made to create its food base, including the kulan reintroduction. The project is being implemented by UNDP and the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. As part of the project, in 2022, 60 kulans were transported.
The reintroduction of kulans from Altyn Emel State National Park to the Ile-Balkhash and Altyn Dala reserves is another step in the efforts of the Committee for the Conservation and Restoration of Biodiversity. The clear implementation of all scheduled action plans for the reintroduction of rare animal species, along with the support of our partners-UNDP and the Kazakhstan Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity-creates a robust basis for future environmental initiatives and the country’s achievements in restoring the ecosystem and returning lost biodiversity," noted Daniyar Turgambayev, Chairman of the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Reintroduction is not only a process of transportation but also involves diligent post-relocation care and monitoring of the animals. The Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve aims to provide care and feeding for the transported kulans for the next six months before they are released into the wild. In addition, as part of this initiative, three kulans were tagged with telemetry to further study their behavior in the wild.
We are proud that Kazakhstan is becoming an example of successful reintroduction of species on the brink of extinction. It requires joint efforts and accountability from all participants in the process, and we are pleased to cooperate with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan to achieve our common goal-restoration and conservation of the country's unique biological diversity," said Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.
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By Government decision, Khoja Ahmed Yassawi's mausoleum been placed under state protection
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Museum-reserve "Aziret Sultan" from now on will be under state protection. The corresponding decree was signed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, primeminister.kz reports.
The famous historical monument mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui is the first Kazakhstani site included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and belongs to the unique monuments of medieval architecture.
Taking into account its significance and historical and cultural value, as well as in order to ensure its safety, the Government adopted a resolution to include the museum-reserve ‘Әziret Sultan’ in the list of objects subject to state protection.
According to the document, the security of the object will be ensured by the relevant departments of the internal affairs bodies.
As is known, the mausoleum was erected on the burial place of the Turkic poet and founder of the Sufi order of Yassawiya Khodja Ahmed Yassawi in the city of Turkestan.
The mausoleum consists of eight rooms, which are arranged around the central, largest in the complex hall Kazandyk.
In the period from 1385 to 1405, a complex of structures was built around the mausoleum and now the museum-reserve includes a mosque, palace halls big and small aksarai, a library (kitabkhana) and an economic complex, which includes a well house (kudukkhana), kitchen (askhana), living quarters (hujra) and others.
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Acute respiratory viral infections on the rise in Kazakh capital
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7,100 ARVI cases were recorded in the Kazakh capital over the past week that is 19.5% or 1.2 times more compared the same period of the previous year, deputy head of the Astana sanitary and epidemiological control department Zhanna Praliyeva told a briefing, Kazinform News Agency reports.
She said the results of the 37th week of laboratory research claimed that no flu or COVID-19 cases were detected in patients. It revealed non-influenza respiratory viruses, such as parainfluenza virus type 4 and mixed infection. 173 pregnant women, 3,709 children under 14 years old, and 255 babies under 12 months old were diagnosed with acute respiratory viral infection.
Flu vaccination of high-risk groups, including health workers, children, and elderly people began on September 18. The vaccination campaign is rolled out at 44 healthcare facilities. It takes 14 days after vaccination before an immune response develops and remains for around a year.
Zhanna Praliyeva urged all to wash their hands, cover their cough, minimize close contact with people who may have influenza, wear masks in public places, and avoid crowded places.
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Astana hosts closing ceremony of 5th World Nomad Games
Images | worldnomadgames.kz
The closing ceremony of the 5th World Nomad Games featuring a musical performance and words of congratulations from World Ethnosport Confederation President Bilal Erdoğan and Kazakh Sport and Tourism Minister Yerbol Myrzabossynov took place in the Kazakh capital of Astana, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
World Ethnosport Confederation President Bilal Erdoğan shared that during the five days of the Games he had seen the performances of around 2,500 athletes from 89 countries. The World Nomad Games presented the history and worldview of nomads, a mixture of fascinating sport and entertaining show.
This historic organization demonstrates the world that Kazakhstan has big ambitions to institutionalize traditional sports around the world. Attracting attention on all levels, these historic games show our rich cultural heritage, as was witnessed by the opening ceremony, choice of places, sports facilities and cultural events in great detail. The World Nomad Games, held under FIPS rules, once again proved that our traditional sports are not simply competitions, he said.
Bilal Erdoğan highlighted that the Games are the means for establishing friendship, solidarity and brotherhood. Athletes brought together by the Games remind of the importance of collaboration and sharing a common culture.
For myself, the irreplaceable support of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in holding the Games became one of the key factors of such success. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the President and the entire team, that devoted itself to the holding of the Nomad Games. Each contributed to this sports festival as well as to the history, said Bilal Erdoğan.
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Kazakhstan tops medal standings at end of 5th World Nomad Games
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Team Kazakhstan added 25 more medals at the 5th World Nomad Games to bring their total medal count to 114, including 44 gold, 33 silver and 37 bronze ones, before the tournament wraps up, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Team Kazakhstan was represented by a total of 216 athletes in 21 sports at the 5th World Nomad Games.
On Day Six of the Games, Team Kazakhstan won 25 medals, including 11 gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals.
Today, Bakyt Tolay brought Team Kazakhstan a gold medal in the Zheti kut stage in the Tenge ilu event.
Kazakhstan’s eagle hunter Serikbek Kuntugan claimed gold in the Kusbegilik final.
Team Kazakhstan won two gold and two bronze medals in the Mangala (Turkish traditional intellectual game) event, with Kundyz Yessipkep claiming the women’s gold and Aigerim Kuanyshbekova - bronze. Bigali Zkiryayev claimed a gold medal in the men’s Mangala event and Azamat Kaidarov - a bronze medal.
Kazakhstan ended up with a silver medal in the Ordo event (Kyrgyz national game). Coming in first was Team Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan was placed third.
Kazakhstan swept the podium in the Kunan baige at the Games, with Amir Serik winning gold, Ansar Arysstanbek hauling silver and Dilnur Nurmukash settling for bronze.
Ansar Arysstanbek brought Team Kazakhstan a gold medal in the Alaman baige event. Coming in second was Khamza Amanfeldy of Kazakhstan. Kyrgyzstan’s Nurel Elessov was placed third.
Kazakhstan’s Serzhan Baktybay won gold in the Top Baige event. Arnat Muratkhan and Zhanbolat Marden of Kazahstan claimed second and third places, respectively.
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