Young Kazakh kobyz player takes 1st place at Golden Time Talent intl contest

Shakhnaze is a native of Botakara village in Bukhar Zhyrau district of Karaganda region. The young talent has been playing kobyz from early childhood, since her mom sent her to a local music school. The girl has been participating in a variety of national and international competitions and charity concerts ever since.

Shakhnaze is a graduate of the Karaganda College of Arts named after Tattimbet.

I have been studying music since the third grade. Currently I play the first  kobyz, one of the most important instruments in the orchestra. Playing kobyz is more difficult than playing violin or guitar, since the instrument does not have special divisions for notes. You just need to feel it. I play the piano and saxophone as an amateur. I write poetry and compose music. But this is only hobby, says Shakhnaze.

To join the Golden Time Talent online contest, Shaknaze sent video recordings of three works: “Concerto for principal kobyz with orchestra by Arman Zhaiym”, “Montagues and Capulets” by Sergei Prokofiev and “One Summer’s Day” by Joe Hisaishi.

While performing the first piece, I was accompanied on the piano, instead of orchestra. When playing the last piece, musicians from a Canadian Orchestra helped me. They agreed to play with me so that I could record a video for the competition. I needed only one and a half points to win the Grand Prix. Nevertheless, I have already been invited to the festival, which will be held this year in London. I really want to go. But we need financial support, because we need to cover the travel costs and plan the stage image, Shakhnaze says.

Shakhnaze is the 1^st degree laureate of the Siberia Lights the Stars (Russia, 2017) international festival. She is also involved in volunteering work and is a member of the UNESCO Club.