top of page
Search

LIFE WITHOUT MUSIC WOULD BE A MISTAKE No.8/29.05

My Ambition Was to Live Like Music (Mary Gaitskill)


'Treasure of Talents' (ToT) is the name of the yearly, prestigious Festival of Young Musicians held continuously for almost a quarter of a century in Kuwait. The event serves as a stage for presenting musical talents, their progress and achievements, to an audience eager to listen and support them.


Every year, on a weekend day close to the end of the school year, many young musicians, along with a crowd of their followers, fill the stage and audience. Concerts run continuously from early morning (9:00 a.m.) until late evening (9:00 p.m.). The number of performers has already significantly exceeded one hundred.


They enjoy the opportunity to showcase their achievements to both their loved ones and fellow participants. At the same time, they learn how to perform in front of an audience, overcome stage fright, compete and cooperate with other participants, and present themselves, their passions or hobbies, skills, and dreams. Simply - themselves.





All concerts have a unique atmosphere. They play solo or chamber music (together) on piano, violin, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and so on, as well as singing vocals. The repertoire is diverse and picturesque - from classical to jazzy and entertaining music.


Some impressions are very moving. Beautifully dressed sweet small girls or mini-gentlemen, climbing piano chairs or lifting quarter-size violins and bows, playing firmly miniatures, are followed by teenagers, even adults, playing top classical standards.

There is no place for fashion shows, sweets, gossips, and so on (sorry!). All attention and emotion are focused on young heroines and heroes on the stage. And - last but not least - on music.


But celebration is not excluded: At 7 p.m. there is always an impressive Gala Concert.

This is combined with the Awarding Ceremony of the 7th Int'l Chopin Competition in Kuwait, Treasure of Talents Festival 2025, and the end of the KMA school year with the participation of the best young musicians, their teachers, and a Special Guest. There will also be an unusual surprise.


Let me offer a short reflection: I believe that talents in every field are treasures of families, societies, nations, countries, and on the highest level - humanity.


I think that finding, taking care of, and finally enjoying with respect their talents is an important obligation for the aforementioned entities. And for all of us. Of course, it is a special obligation for pedagogues. I reserve that name 'pedagogues' for teachers or instructors not limited to performing certain work for certain money during a certain time only. It is our profession of special public trust. You take responsibility for common treasure.

'Such will be the commonwealths as their children raised', said the wise man, Stanislas Staszic, one of the fathers of Polish education in the 19th century. And I believe him.


Concerts of Treasure of Talents will run on Saturday, May 31st, at the Dar Al Athar in

Yarmouk. Youth Concerts start from 9:00 am up to 7:00 pm Gala Concert with Winners and Awarding Ceremony after the 7th Int'l Chopin Competition. Entry free.


Enough words.


Let us play: F. Waxman - Carmen Fantasy

Performed by young and talanted violin prodigy Himari Youshimura with Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra



Written by

Cezary Owerkowicz

Co-founder of Kuwait Music Academy and

Director of Treasure of Talents Festival in Kuwait

 
 
bottom of page