From August 18 to 24, in the homeland of the great composer Akhmet Zhubanov, who introduced Kazakh music to the world, and People’s Artist of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Dimash Qudaibergen, the sixth annual open children’s vocal festival and competition “Baqytty Bala–2025” will take place.

Launched in 2018 at the initiative of the regional governor, the festival is held every year in Aqtobe under the patronage of the Akimat of Aqtobe Region and the DimashAli Creative Center.

The first stage of the competition, where the jury evaluated participants’ audio and video submissions remotely, attracted more than 200 applications from the Czech Republic, France, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Lithuania, Belarus, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and various cities and regions across Kazakhstan.

The second stage will be held in person at the “Oner Ortalygy” Concert Hall in Aqtobe. Finalists will each perform two pieces: one song in their native language and one in a world language (or an original composition).

Based on the results of the first stage, the following contestants have made it to the finals:

Lev Smertin (Moldova), Safina Samieva (Kyrgyzstan), Sofia Rustamova (Belarus), Lailo Khafizova (Uzbekistan), Sofia Fadeeva, Sofia Asadulina, Arseniy Bardin, Kirill Usov, Alina Arakelyan from Russia, as well as contestants from various regions of Kazakhstan.

Representing Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage at the festival will be: Alikhan Nurlybek (Astana), Miras Nagashibai (Almaty), Kausar Mederkul (Taraz), Moldir Bazarbai (Oral), Alikhan Otegen (Taldykorgan), Aiaru Kimaganbet and Amina Asgatova from Aktau, Abylai Nursultan and Nurshat Kussanova from Atyrau, and, representing the host city, Azamat Oryngali and Moldir Abdirova from Aqtobe.

The finalists are aged between 11 and 16.

The jury panel features distinguished figures in culture and the arts:

• Boris Alexandrovich Statsenko (Chairman of the Jury): baritone, soloist of the “Novaya Opera” Theatre and the Kolobov Novaya Opera Theatre of Moscow, laureate of all-Russian competitions, holder of the title “Meistersanger”.
• Svetlana Ermekovna Aitbayeva: Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, recipient of the “Qurmet” Order, soloist of the State Academic Philharmonic in Astana.
• Karlygash Isaеvna Azhieva: Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, stage director (Almaty).
• Allabergen Bashbayevich Zhaksabayev: Cultural Figure of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Artistic Director of the “Dauys” vocal ensemble at the G. Zhubanova Regional Philharmonic (Aktobe).
• Almagul Battaliyeva: Grand Prix winner of the 2025 “Slavianski Bazaar” International Competition, soloist of the Danesh Rakishev Philharmonic (Taldykorgan).

The winners will be announced at the Gala Concert, to be held on August 23 at the “Oner Ortalygy” Concert Hall. Start time: 16:00.