Welcome to another FSC Spin-Off!
Welcome to this FSC November 2018 Spin-Off , featuring many great Duet-songs from all over the
world. Our host city is Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. It has a population of around 1.030.000
inhabitants , making it the 2nd largest city in the country (after Almaty) . It is located on the banks
of the Ishim River ( the Есіл/Esil ) in the northern region of Kazakhstan, northwest of Karaghanda.
Astana became the capital city of Kazakhstan in 1997 , & since then has developed economically
into one of the most modernized cities in CentralAsia, with futuristic-looking buildings, hotels and
skyscrapers designed by worldfamous architects. Astana also has extensive healthcare, sports &
education systems & is the host city of the 8th UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism in 2019.
Founded in 1830 as a settlement of Akmoly , it served as a defensive fortification for the Siberian
Cossacks. In 1832 the settlement was granted a town status and renamed Akmolinsk. Further na
me-changes Tselinograd (1961), Akmola (1992), Astana (1998). Astana means "capital city" in Ka
zakh. In 1999 Astana was, moreover, awarded the medal and title of the City of Peace by UNESCO
City-attractions are: Bayterek (the capital’s symbol, a famous monument) , the Palace of Peace &
Reconciliation, Museum of the First President of Kazakhstan, Ak Orda-building, Atameken (ethno-
memorial complex) , Duman (entertainment center) , the Khan Shatyr , Hazrat Sultan Mosque, the
Russian Drama Theater , the National Opera and Ballet Theater, and Abai Kunanbayev Monument.
Islam is the predominant religion of the city . Other religions practiced in Astana , are Christianity,
Judaism, and Buddhism. Astana's economy is based on trade, industrial production, transport, co
mmunication and construction , and it also has many universities, & junior colleges . The city also
caters for tourists with plenty of hotels , shopping centers , nature parks, restaurants & nightclubs
Our Host venue is the Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall in Astana, Kazakhstan. It is
a multi-function center for performing arts which was designed by Italian architect Manfredi Nic
oletti, & was inaugurated by the President of Kazakhtsan , Nursultan Nazarbayev , on the nation's
Independence Day (15th of December - in 2009). The building’s shape evokes the dynamism of a
flower's petals. The building's external structure comprise a series of curved inclined walls made
of concrete with a blue backpainted glasspanels cladding.Those structures protect the building's
interior functions from Astana’s harsh weatherconditions. The building features a 30m high foyer
that extends over 3.000 square meters, which is intended to create an urban-scale internal public
square , that could welcome the citizens of Astana through the entire year . The building contains
3 different music halls & also encloses restaurants shops & bars. The main Concert hall for 3.500
seats is one of the biggest of its kind & is capable of hosting a multitude of different events, from
classical to popmusic, ballet & conferences thanks to its acoustic flexibility. This flexibility is prod
uced by a system of acoustic curtains & a special false ceiling design ( a 'black-hole' ) , which abs
orbs most of the hall's acoustic reflections. Among many very wellknown events the International
Astana Action Film Festival was held there in 2010. They are proud to host the FSC-Spin Off today
Our lovely Hosts this evening are:
Karlygash Mukhamedzhanova and Asha Matai
Karlygash Mukhamedzhanova is a famous Kazakh filmactress. She was born in 1983 in Karaghan
da in Kazakhstan into a creative family . She studied law at University but then decided to quit her
career and go on television in search of a new passion. After some time she was tempted to have
a go at a career in film and in 2009 she received her first role . The film became a big hit and Karly
gash almost became a moviestar overnight . She has since acted in several popular Kazakh films
incl. "Lave" (2009) & "Amanat" (2016) , and also “Voice of the Steppes” starring Gerard Depardieu.
Asha Matai (real name Akbota Maratovna Askarbekova) is a famous Kazakh singer , actress, and
TV-presenter. She was born in 1988 in Alma-Ata (Almaty) in Kazakhstan. She studied law at Unive
rsity , but then entered a career on television. She also started having success as singer. She won
the Grand Prix of “Shabyt” and “Zhaan Dala” and the “Empire of the Stars” competition, becoming
among the top 10 popsingers of the country. She furthermore starred in several feature films incl.
"Astana - Hashyktar Mekeni" , "Birzhan Sal" , "Vozvrashchenie v 'A'", "16 kyz" & "Obratnaya storona".
Opening Act
by popular Kazakh popsinger famous for winning
Türkvizyon Song Contest 2014 , Zhanar Dugalova
Once again, welcome to this Spin-Off edition of the Forum Song Contest.
Let the Show begin!
THE-
Closing Act
by the popular Kazakh popsinger who has had
big success in his home-country, Kairat Nurtas
Thank You - and Good Night - from Astana, Kazakhstan!
Voting deadline: 21st November, 23:59 CET
Votes may be submitted after 24 hours
Votes received: 24/24
Votes are sent by PM to me, Malagant in trad. ESC/FSC-style: 12-10-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1p.
No votes for own entry. No late votes will be accepted, so make a note of the deadline.
Enjoy - and good luck to all entries!