On the eve of Kazakhstan Republic Day, a meeting between Aida Balayeva, Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and winners and laureates of prestigious international competitions was held at the Astana Opera.
Participants included Aigerim Altynbek, a student at the La Scala Academy (Italy) and Grand Prix winner of the XI International Opera Competition CLIP 2025 in Portofino; Yerzhan Maxim, Grand Prix winner of the Sanremo Best Song 2025 international performers' competition in Dubai; Alexander Lim, Grand Prix winner of the XXI International Competition of Young Pop Singers New Wave 2025 in Kazan; Yernar Sadyrbaeva (Amre), participant of the Intervision 2025 international music competition in Moscow; Almagul Battalieva, Grand Prix winner of the XXXIV International Pop Song Performers Contest Vitebsk 2025; The group "El Voice," winners of the Grand Prix at the 2025 Soldier's Envelope International Festival and Competition in Stavropol, and the dombra duo "Temirlan & Yernat," winners of the 2023 Open Italy Grand Prix, among others, also participated.
Aida Balayeva presented them with letters of gratitude from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan. According to the Minister, the success of these young performers, musicians, and artists is a significant contribution to strengthening Kazakhstan's international standing and promoting Kazakh culture.
"Today, on the eve of the holiday, we met with you—people who have made a huge contribution to the development of our country's culture. Your victories on the international stage are the pride of Kazakhstan. I sincerely thank you for your work and talent, your dedication to your work and your love of culture. I would also like to express my gratitude to your parents and teachers. They opened the door to art for you and supported your choice," said Aida Balayeva. The meeting featured a warm and informative discussion. The young artists shared their impressions, discussed their creative paths, achievements, and plans, and offered suggestions for the development of the cultural sector and state support for young talent.
In recent years, Kazakhstani performers, artists, and musicians have confidently demonstrated high professionalism and creative individuality, representing Kazakhstan at prestigious international competitions.
The number of students from cultural educational institutions who have won prizes and awards at national and international competitions increased by 14.9%. In 2025 alone, 1,511 students from creative universities and colleges received laureate and diploma status.
This was made possible by the system of measures developed by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan to develop cultural education and stimulate the creative potential of young people.