Dear friends! 

 The Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory in Almaty is conducting the Fourth International competition of pianists - graduates and students of the best musical educational institutions from all over the world. This year the format of the competition is unusual and is aiming to change the public’s attitude toward international musical competitions which up to the beginning of the 21st century have been interesting only for the participants, their teachers and a narrow circle of professionals. Our competition is aiming to modernize this tradition and to become an innovative musical event which is entertaining both to the competitors and the public through democratic-style judging, openness and active dialogue with the mass-media, as well as through beauty, modern design and elegance. This year to ensure objective and impartial judging, the format of the competition includes both a professional and alternative (amateur) jury.

I am sure that these eight days in December will become an even greater celebration of piano music. This time will be filled by cooperation among the competitors, teachers, international jury, guests, supportive public and all music fans! The presence of so many gifted people in one place at one time always provides an especially creative and magical atmosphere which energizes and strengthens everyone’s talents. I hope that our competition becomes a forum for unification on the basis of the work of these young artists, representing the various countries, people, piano schools and traditions.

Dear music fans, participants and jury members! I wish you wonderful impressions, new experiences and many happy moments during this competition! May you be beautifully inspired!

With the best regards,

Jania Aubakirova, 

The President of the

International competition of pianists in Almaty