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 formal partnership with The Catholic University of America.
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 Young Talents World Festival of Performing Arts 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 Catholic University 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 Jay Brock and Art department chair and Associate Professor Jonathan Monaghan. 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 Catholic University, 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.