Muza Rubackytė dazzles at Kazakhstan's Francophone Spring festival
World-renowned pianist Muza Rubackytė took the stage at Kazakhstan's K. Kuanyshbayev National Music and Drama Theater as part of the Francophone Spring festival, which brings together concerts, film screenings, exhibitions, and educational events aimed at promoting French language and francophone culture.
The evening's performance aligned with the festival's core mission of cultural dialogue. Rubackytė, whose career has been deeply connected to France, served as a bridge between European musical traditions—particularly those of Lithuania and France. The program featured works by composers from different countries: Lithuanian music was represented by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, French by Claude Debussy, and Hungarian by Franz Liszt.
A laureate of international competitions, Rubackytė maintains an active performance and teaching schedule, serves on the juries of prestigious contests, and acts as a cultural ambassador for Lithuania. Her discography includes over thirty recordings, with a repertoire spanning classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions.
Audiences warmly received the pianist, praising her virtuosity and the intimate, welcoming atmosphere of the concert.
"I regularly attend performances here, and direct interaction with artists and musicians is always inspiring," said audience member Aniya Bek. "Cultural diplomacy like this—what we experienced tonight—helps us see the world in a new light."
As part of Francophone Spring, the 17th Republican Francophone Song Contest was also held. The jury included representatives from the embassies of France, Belgium, and Switzerland, French Alliance Director Irada Aripova, and vocalist and French teacher Dayana Amanbayeva. The winner, Bakhytzhan Abek of Astana, earned a trip to Paris.
