Astana, Dec 9 (EFE).- Kazakhstan has appointed Dimash Kudaibergen, celebrated for his extraordinary seven-octave vocal range, and opera diva Maria Mudryak as goodwill ambassadors to promote the Central Asian nation’s cultural heritage and modern achievements on the global stage.
Maria Mudryak: A Rising Opera Star
“For me, it is a great honor to receive this title, and I trust I will be able to represent my homeland with dignity in the future from opera stages around the world,” said Maria Mudryak, who at just 23 years old has performed in Genoa, Florence, Naples, Moscow, and her native Astana.
Mudryak, a young soprano with a rapidly growing international reputation, won third place and the Rolex Audience Prize at Plácido Domingo’s Operalia competition in 2017. She revealed to EFE that she is preparing several new opera roles, including debut performances, for the upcoming season.
Dimash Kudaibergen: A Global Vocal Sensation
Dimash, a versatile musician who turned down a position at the Astana Opera to pursue a career in pop music, could not attend the ceremony organized by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry praised his contributions to enhancing Kazakhstan’s international image.
Dimash’s expansive vocal range allows him to effortlessly perform across baritone, tenor, and contralto notes, earning him global acclaim in countries like France, Belarus, and China.
Promoting Kazakhstan’s Heritage Through Culinary Research
Another notable appointment as goodwill ambassador is Kazakh ethnographer Aiguerim Musagadzhínova, president of the Qazaq Geography Society. Renowned for her research into Kazakh cuisine, Musagadzhínova has spent over 13 years studying its history and has recovered more than 1,500 traditional recipes.
“I have spent over 13 years studying the history of Kazakh cuisine and have recovered more than 1,500 traditional recipes,” she told EFE following the ceremony.
A Broader Vision for Kazakhstan’s Goodwill Ambassadors
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin emphasized that the goodwill ambassador project aims to “promote a positive image of the country, making it more recognizable by involving notable compatriots in showcasing Kazakhstan’s current achievements.”
“The project includes compatriots who, through their effort and talent, have achieved success in the fields of art, science, and other areas and are engaged in charitable activities,” he added. EFE