Silent Symphony: Finale of the "Astana Keshteri" Celebration
In the captivating capital of Astana, the "Astana Keshteri" festival recently concluded, offering a grand cultural experience that united notable artists from Kazakhstan and beyond. The grand finale featured a chamber concert titled "Dialogue Without Words," bringing together violist Mikhail Samsonov and pianist Sergey Kim for a deeply moving, speechless symphony. This top-notch event was organized by the renowned humanitarian fund "Degdar," a cornerstone of Kazakhstan's cultural landscape.
We sat down with these remarkable guests of the city to chat about the artistic journey and the essence of music as a life's companion.
Originally from Minsk, Mikhail Samsonov embarked on a significant part of his creative expedition overseas, learning, performing, and playing with ensembles. He attributes this international stint not only to shaping his distinct musical style but also to fostering his philosophical approach to creativity.
"Jamming in a chamber band isn't only about listening, it's about being, man," Mikhail reveals. "Being together, not to judge or argue, but to flow together, like a big river with different currents."
The violoncello in Mikhail's hands whispers a tale of our inner selves - honest, heartfelt, near prayerful.
As for Sergey Kim, a native of Karaganda, a transformative moment came during his studies in Austria.
"It felt like I was stepping back in time," he says, reminiscing on his first visit to Mozart's house-museum in Salzburg.
Encountering European musical tradition left a lasting impact on Sergey, broadening his understanding of musical texts and redefining his horizons of interpretation. However, chamber music ultimately became his creative sweet spot:
"It's a yakkity-yak with your eyes shut," Sergei notes. "You're not singing the blues on your own – you hear the other, feel the other. And that's what makes music hop alive."
The "Dialogue Without Words" concert was more than a sequence of pieces; it was a sanctuary of shared understanding. Mikhail considers himself a mediator of light, woven through the tunes and reminding us of our inner beacon of joy and love.
"It's a gentle nudge, reminding you that being happy is polite company for your soul," he declares.
Sergei argues that music is the remedy without the prescription. Everyone walks into a concert with their concerns on their sleeves, and if the notes ignite a spark of hope in their heart, then the evening was well spent.
"A genuine, sincere communication through sound – that's what we're lacking these days," Sergei concludes.
This dialogue sans words unfolded in Astana's heart, leaving listeners in awe.
The artists thanked the humanitarian fund "Degdar" for making the concert possible, expressing gratitude for the incredible treatment they received. The organizers, they said, created a cozy, rich, and heartfelt atmosphere, inspiring them to express themselves at the pinnacle of their abilities.
"It's like nothing I've ever experienced before," Sergei Kim confesses.
"With this level of soul, attention, and love – it's music heaven," adds Mikael Samsonov.
In essence, if this concert could be encapsulated in one phrase: "Music is what happens when words shut up." That refrain echoed at the closing of the "Astana Keshteri" festival, reminding each of us that light never dies in music, and music is born in every one of us.
Zarina Mukhamedali
In Astana, the "Astana Keshteri" festival showcased a grand fusion of Kazakh and international music talents. Mikhail Samsonov, a violist from Minsk, and Sergey Kim, a pianist from Karaganda, collaborated in the final event, "Dialogue Without Words," which harnessed music as an eloquent conversation free from words.
