A traditional song competition titled “Turan Voice – 2026” was held at our university among faculty members and administrative staff.
The purpose of the competition was to promote university employees’ appreciation for music, showcase Kazakh identity through song, and provide participants with an opportunity to freely express themselves through art.
Seven talented university employees took part in the competition. The contest consisted of two stages: in the first stage, participants performed patriotic songs, while in the second stage they presented songs of their own choice.
The judging panel included Isamiddin Nizamov, a teacher at the “Aqzhaiyq” Music School; renowned zhetygen performer and member of the “Atameken” National Instruments Ensemble, Zhanar Abazhanova; and Mendigani Zhusipbayev, Deputy Dean for Science and Educational Affairs of the Faculty of Arts, Media and Design.
During the first stage, participants beautifully performed patriotic songs such as “Aliya,” “Tugan Zher,” “Salem Sagan Tugan El,” “Qazaqym Syn,” “Atameken,” “Altyn Besik,” and “Saryzhailau.” In the second stage, they delighted the audience with songs by Kazakh poets and composers, including “Zholyqqan Qandai Zhaksy,” “Ozing Barda,” “Ayaulym,” and “Altynym.”
In addition, participants skillfully performed the folk song “Yerkemay,” as well as “Lyubov Nastala” and “Hold Me for a While,” earning warm applause from the audience.
According to the competition results, the Grand Prix was awarded to Gulzhanat Abikhanova, PhD, Acting Associate Professor of the Department of Kazakh Philology, Faculty of Philology.
First place was awarded to Svetlana Kuzembayeva, lecturer at the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Theology, while second place went to Gaziza Yermakhan, laboratory assistant at the Department of Russian Language and Literature, Faculty of Philology. Third place was won by Gulzhan Myrza, junior employee of the Cultural Center.
Other talented participants also received special nominations. Bakdaulet Zhumagul, sound operator of the Cultural Center, won the “Audience Choice” nomination; Pernetai Nurmysheva, duty officer of Dormitory No. 3, received the “Song Nightingale” nomination; and Gulmira Toilybayeva, specialist at the Department of Surgical Diseases of the Faculty of Medicine, was awarded the “Silver Voice” nomination.
It should be noted that some participants had also performed in previous seasons of the “Turan Voice” competition.
Throughout the evening, participants performed patriotic, lyrical, and folk songs, as well as pieces from world classical music. The audience greatly enjoyed the competition, which vividly showcased the artistic talents of university employees.
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