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SUCCESS OF YOUNG TALENTS FROM KUWAIT MUSIC ACADEMY

NLWM No 34 18/12/2025


I am so happy to have observed for 40 years how the Gulf countries have developed their musical culture. And I'm happy to have actively participated in this process. Of course, especially in Kuwait, but also in the neighboring countries of Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE as a pianist as well as a juror of music competitions. In Kuwait, there were seven consecutive Int'l Chopin Competitions (from 1999 to 2025, including the great Gulf Chopin Competition in 2010), 23 annual Festivals Treasure of Talents (with Prizes & Awards), and a number of smaller ones.


I had the pleasure of attending twice as the only juror the first-ever Music Competitions in Bahrain (in St. Christopher School) and Chopin Competition. Over time, Bahrain Harmony Music Center was established there. They began organizing successful regular music competitions. Their Director, Ms. Olha Kochura, is very active. They also participated in the Int'l Gulf Chopin Competition in the Bahraini section as well as in its Great Final in Kuwait.


Bahraini Gulf Musician Idol Competition


This year, held in November, brought together over 300 young performers from across the globe. It united them, along with the teachers and families, in a celebration of talent, culture, and musical excellence.


This year's competition welcomed students from over 50 music teachers and institutions, representing a wide range of musical backgrounds. Participants competed across multiple categories and instruments, including piano, keyboard, violin, cello, drums, guitar, saxophone, recorder, and voice, performing solo and in ensembles.


Gulf Talents Compete With The World


A total of 180 contestants took part in the in-person rounds held in Bahrain, while an additional 120 international performers joined the online qualifiers. The international group represented countries across the Gulf region - Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar – as well as European countries: Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom.


Spanning November 16-29, the competition featured online qualifying rounds for international participants, followed by Bahrain-based in-person auditions, and concluded with the Grand Final and Award Ceremony held on November 29 in Bahrain.


A Reason for Pride and Satisfaction


In this unique event, the representatives of Kuwait, presented by Kuwait Music Academy and its teachers, achieved great success. In so many levels and age groups, young musicians representing Kuwait won 28 top prizes.






1st Place Awards won by 7 persons:


Hamzade Ayse Mumcu (Intermediate Group)


Alma Algoulany, Dana Rabeea, Keisha Mokashi (Advanced Group)


Mohamed El Maraghy & Sara Suliman (Adult Group)


2nd Place Awards won by 14 persons:


Lynn Hussein, Mohamad Ghazal (Beginner Group)


Farah Dashti, Stella Hadad, Tamara Saleh, Yousef Roy (Foundation Group)


Gabriela Al Bazi, Gurtaj Singh Gill, Lareen Khashawi, Loula Al Mutawa, Tareq Sartawi (Intermediate Group)


Lea Al Khudari, Roaa Alasad (Advanced Group)


Houda Al Halabi (Adult Group)


3rd Place Awards won by 7 persons:


Mila Khodr (Beginner Group)


Ali Rami, Dina Raeisi-Nafchi, Ivaylo Shabanliyski, Mahsa Raeisi (Foundation Group)


John Marchese, Lea Kendirjian (Intermediate Group)


Special Honorary Diplomas were awarded to: Kuwait Music Academy, Director Karol Masternak & piano teacher Inna Agibalova.



Prestigious Support


This year's edition was proudly supported by Trinity College, London, one of the world's leading organizations for music and performing arts examinations. The Grand Final was attended by two representatives from Trinity College London - Middle East: Ms. Afshaan Ali and Ms. Sherbeth Nicole.


Kuwait Music Academy representatives won the most awards among all countries (and schools) participating in the Gulf Music Idol Competition 2025. It can be said that the colors of the Kuwaiti flag in the logo of our school were most often seen at the Awarding Ceremony. And this is a reason for pride and satisfaction.


P.S.: I'm happy to inform you that a member of the KMA Team, Mr. Viktor Shramko, was invited to the Jury panel of the Int'l Festival & Contest of Culture Caravan. CONGRATULATIONS!


Enough words.


Let us play:

Performances of 1st Prizes Awards Winners:


Dana Rebeea:

Keisha Mokashi:

Sara Soliman:

Mohamed El Maraghy:





Written by

Cezary Owerkowicz

Co-founder of Kuwait Music Academy and

Director of Treasure of Talents Festival in Kuwait




 
 
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