Blind schoolboy from Astana won the Grand Prix at a talent competition in London
At the international “Golden Time Talent” competition, Abylai Mustafin performed pieces by Kazakhstani composers on the piano, earning high praise from foreign judges, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Abylai is a 9th-grade student at the Zhumabek Tashenov School-Gymnasium in Astana. He also studies at the Roza Baglanova Music School, focusing on piano. Despite being blind and classified as a first-degree disability, Abylai demonstrated that his capabilities are limitless.
“I am happy to have won this competition. I want to thank my music teacher, Olesya Ivanovna, and my parents for their support,” he noted.
Abylai is also good at mathematics. He has taken part in mental arithmetic competitions in Germany and Turkey, where he won prize places. The schoolboy aspires to connect his future with IT technologies.
At the same competition, Almaty artist Assemgul Suleimenova also won the Grand Prix.
“My main goal is to show the world that Kazakhstan has many talented people,” said the artist.
Thirty percent of the competition participants were fellow Kazakhs. Brothers Gulimai, Dinmukhammed and Nurbakhyt Talap performed on stage, showcasing Kazakh national art by playing the dombra and performing traditional Kazakh kuis.
In addition to children, professional musicians also participated, including a professor from the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory.
“Our wind quintet at the conservatory is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. I came here to let people learn about us,” noted honoured artist of Kazakhstan, Zhanat Yermanov.
The “Golden Time Talent” international competition, held for the fourth consecutive year, is organised by Ukrainian citizens. They invited representatives from 25 countries who passed an online selection in music, visual arts, choreography, and other categories. Participation is fee-based, and additional costs include visas and travel expenses. The trip to London for the Kazakh participants was supported by sponsors.
“There are many prestigious competitions for well-established talents. However, our competition features gifted individuals who have not yet had the chance to shine. On stage, you will see participants ranging from five-year-olds to individuals over 70,” said the competition organiser, Inessa Bila.
The names of the winners will be listed among the best on the competition’s official website. They may receive invitations from top educational institutions and offers of cooperation from international companies. According to the organisers, the laureates may also be eligible for talent visas to continue developing their skills in the UK and the US.
