“Shabyt-2025”: The Best Young Talents from Around the World Gathered in Astana

The final stage of the International Creative Competition "Shabyt" officially began in Astana. On November 18, the draw was held to determine the order of participants performances, marking the starting point of the competition’s concluding phase.

For nearly three decades, the "Shabyt" competition has remained one of the largest international creative platforms, bringing together young talents from different countries. This year, the geography of participants and jury members expanded even further, confirming the high status and significance of the event. The international jury of "Shabyt-2025" included music experts, renowned performers, and art professionals from China, Türkiye, Russia, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan

Esset Baiken, Deputy Akim of Astana, spoke at the opening ceremony of the festival, emphasizing the importance of the event:

“This unique creative festival, which has developed alongside the capital, holds special importance for the youth. ‘Shabyt,’ which has introduced many talented young performers to the world, is being held for the 28th time this year. After a short break, the competition has resumed, maintaining its high level and once again confirming the capital’s status as a center of innovation and a platform for the development of young talents.”

The draw stage will be a key moment, determining the order of the finalists performances and shaping the dynamics of the competition days. “Shabyt” continues to strengthen its status as an international creative laboratory, where culture, experience, and new ideas come together.

One of the organizers of the competition, Bagdat Bekmadina, Head of the Directorate for Cultural Events of Astana, noted:

“The “Shabyt festival” is a unique creative platform with no analogues in the region. This season, over 800 applications were received from various parts of our country as well as from nearby and distant foreign countries, reflecting the growing interest of young creative talents in the competition. The jury includes qualified and renowned art professionals from both Kazakhstan and other countries, giving participants an objective and professional evaluation.”

The official awards ceremony for the winners and Grand Prix recipients of the “Shabyt” competition will take place on November 22 at the Kazakh National University of Arts (KazNUA, "Shabyt"). During the ceremony, laureates of all nominations and recipients of the main creative prize of the competition will be announced.

Organizers: Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana City Administration, State Communal Enterprise “Directorate for Cultural Events”, Kazakh National University of Arts named after Kulyash Baiseitova (KazNUA)