AIMAN MUSSAKHAJAYEVA & BEATA ILLONA BARCZA (Kazakhstan, Hungary/Slovenia)

Aiman Mussakhajayeva, violin
Beata Illona Barcza, piano

Programme:
Edvard Grieg (1843–1907), Violin Sonata No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 45
Sergej Prokofjev (1891–1953), Violin sonata No. 2 in D Major, Op. 94bis
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921), Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
Maurice Ravel (1875–1937), Tzigane

Prof. Aiman Mussakhajayeva’s career is an ode to the power of art and cultural diplomacy. A member of many esteemed organizations, such as the International Academy for the Arts, Association of European Conservatoires, Association of the Tchaikovsky International Competition, Women’s Affairs Committee of Kazakhstan, National Commission for UNESCO and ISESCO, she makes it her mission to foster global cultural and educational exchange initiatives. Aiman’s contributions to social and human development, her advocacy for social causes, and her substantial impact on the cultural landscape have resulted in many humanitarian titles, such as UNESCO Ambassador, “Kazakhstan Yenbek Eri” (People’s artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan), UNESCO’s “Artist for Peace” and rector of the Kazakh National University of Arts (KazNUA).
Her humanitarian efforts are greatly aided by her musical excellence. She is celebrated at home, where she has been the soloist of the Jambul Kazakh Philharmonie since, where she founded the State Chamber Orchestra “Academy of Soloists” and finally realized her dream of opening the Kazakh National Academy of Music in Astana, where she serves as Rector. Her unyielding aspiration for perfection resulted in literally too many international victories to count, starting with her 1976 Belgrade International Competition victory, and including victories at Paganini International Competitions, the Tokyo International Competition, the Sibelius International Competition, the Tchaikovsky International Competition. Her talent graced the best concert halls of the world: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Centre, Musikverein, Gaveau, Cortot, Santa Cecilia, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Wigmore Hall, Barbican Hall, and Berlin her world-wide recognition is evidenced in her receiving the medal “For Merit to the culture of the Republic of Poland – Gloria Artis” and in the fact that Aiman Mussakhajayeva is the first ever Kazakh artist to have signed a contract with the world’s most respectable and prestigious music label – Deutsche Grammophon. In 2002 Aiman Mussakhajayeva has been entered in the Encyclopedic Dictionary of the University of Cambridge “Outstanding musicians of the 20th century”.

Hungarian pianist and chamber musician Beata Ilona Barcza has won numerous international competitions and performed at many festivals, international competitions (Europa Cantant Festival, Bovec OrkesterkamP, Svirél) and master classes. She has honed her skills with Dalibor Miklavčič, Konstantin Bogino, Zoltán Kocsis, Jasminka Stančul and joined a fortepiano master class in Ithaca (USA) at the invitation of Malcolm Bilson. She performed with cellist Jaka Stadler and pianist Michael Haas. Her other collaborations include working and performing with the cream of Slovenian musicians, including Tibor Kerekeš, Žiga Brank, Rok Zgonc, and Matej Grahek. She gives regular recitals at the National Theatre in Pécs together with the outstanding soprano Marianna Váradi. She is currently employed as an accompanist at the Ljubljana Academy of Music.

Admission free.