Kazakhstani Delegation, University Leadership Discuss Cross-National Collaboration

Oct 06, 2023 Faculty Excellence

University Provost Aaron Dominguez (second from right) greets Aiman Mussakhajayeva, founder and rector of Kazakh National University of Arts (first from left) and violin lecturer Vladimir Dyo (center). Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Music Performance Chair Jay Brock (first from right) looks on. (��/Patrick G. Ryan)

Internationally renowned violinist Aiman Mussakhajayeva visited campus from Kazakhstan on Tuesday, Oct. 3, to meet with University leadership for a conversation on cross-cultural collaboration. She is founder and rector of the Kazakh National University of Arts (KazNUA), which has a with ��.

Violin lecturer and Kazakhstan native Vladimir Dyo served as a translator for his former teacher during the wide-ranging conversation about the importance of the arts in building international bonds. They discussed with University Provost Aaron Dominguez and Vice Provost for Global Strategies Duilia de Mello opportunities for enhancing reciprocal educational initiatives between the two countries.

Dyo is artistic director of Global Music Partnership, which brings together the world’s top musicians for creative collaboration that transcends national borders and genres. He was a driving force for the held on campus last December, which brought 20 students from KazNUA and other top music schools in Kazakhstan to campus to learn from University faculty and perform with American students. Some of the Kazakhstani students performed on classical instruments, while others played Kazakh traditional instruments.

“This visit proved to be highly inspiring for them, with many expressing interest in studying at �� in the future,” said Dyo. He and other University faculty are currently planning the second winter festival to continue to foster connections.

Representing the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art at the meeting were Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Music Performance Chair and Art department chair and Associate Professor . They discussed with the delegation similarities and differences in educational models regarding training the next generation of creatives. They exchanged ideas about possible ways to build upon bonds between institutions, including a student exchange program.

“Rector Aiman Mussakhajayeva genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere at ��, the kindness, and the feeling of peace. She was very glad and honored to meet the esteemed team led by the provost and share her vision for collaboration,” said Dyo after the meeting.

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