The 10th Astana-Violin International Violin Contest kicked off in Astana. The event, dedicated to the memory of the great contemporary musician David Oistrakh, was organised by the Kazakh National University of Arts with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

"Astana-Violin" is one of the brightest and most anticipated events in the musical life of the country. The contest has gathered talented violinists from near and far abroad. To participate in it 50 musicians from England, Austria, Spain, Germany, Japan, South Korea, China, Ireland and other countries came to Astana.

The contest, held in two age groups: from 10 to 15 years old and from 16 to 28 years old inclusive, will be a great networking opportunity for the young generation. During five days the participants will be able to get acquainted with famous musicians of international renown and exchange experience.

The jury included Aiman Musakhadzhayeva, Hero of Labour of Kazakhstan; Zakhar Bron, Professor of Violin at the Queen Sofia School of Music, Madrid (Spain - Switzerland); Dora Schwarzberg, Master of Arts, Professor at the MDV University of Music (Austria), Music Director of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra (USA) Christopher Toms Zimerman, Artistic Director of the music festival "Ost-West-Musikfest", Professor of Violin at the Leopold Mozart Institute, Vienna (Austria) Gernot Winischhofer and others.
The total prize fund of the contest is $20,500. The names of the winners of the international contest will be announced on 11 November.