Taraz festival blends Kazakh and German traditions in youth arts showcase

The German Society of the Shambul region recently held a cultural competition in Taraz to engage young people with German traditions. The event, called 'German Art Festival - Friendship Circle', blended Kazakh and German elements to celebrate both cultures. It was organised by Alexander Gibner, the society’s president, with support from local schools and clubs. The festival featured categories for singing, recitation, music, and dance. Participants showcased their interpretations of German culture through performances on stage. A highlight was the use of the dombra, a traditional Kazakh instrument, to play melodies by German composers such as Bach and Mozart.

Adelina Sinjajewa won the Grand Prix in recitation with her performance of Erna Hummel’s poem 'To my mother tongue'. In the dance category, the group 'Grazia' took the top prize for their German polka routine. David Niesen, chairman of the German Society in Taraz, emphasised the importance of collaboration with other clubs and schools to attract more young people to their cultural activities. The competition brought together students from Taraz to explore German culture through the arts. It also strengthened ties between local schools, clubs, and the German Society. The event highlighted how traditional Kazakh and German elements can coexist in creative performances.