To the Participants and Guests 
of the «Voice of Asia» International Festival

I heartily greet and congratulate all the participants and guests of the «Voice of Asia» with the decennial jubilee 

It is my pleasure to note that the participation in the Almaty festival had become a «star hour» for many variety masters. Today, their names are well-known both in their home countries and far beyond their boundaries. On the other hand, thousands of participants and viewers of the concerts and contest programs as well as guests have joined the peculiar spiritual world of Almaty, the city that has always been and will remain one of the largest cultural oases of the Central Asia. 
Today’s festival «Voice of Asia» has one more peculiarity—it is taking place on the eve of the new millennium, and I think that it will enter the XXI century with us as a good custom, a symbol of friendship, spirituality and consent.
I sincerely wish the participants good luck, the jury—objectivity, the guests and audience—bright, memorable meetings, vivid impressions, happiness and high spirits.

Victor Khrapоunov
Chairman of the Organizing Committee 
of the «Voice of Asia» International Festival 
   
     
   

The Festival is 10 years old...
   
 This event is filled with the special meaning when you realize that it takes place in the last year of the passing century. As if we emphasize the huge stage in the history of the Festival, State and our own history. 
There is a parable In «The Words of Edification» of the great kazakh poet and philosopher Abai. Will, Reason and Heart argued who is more important and asked Knowledge to judge them. Knowledge ordered them to unite in the whole, but Heart was assigned as the Main. This was written on the eve of our century. I remember how our Festival has been creating and understand that it is Heart exactly lorded all of those people over , who have been standing at the sources of «Azia Dauysy», who have been growing up, gathering experience and wisdom with the Festival. 

Certainly, no idea can be embodied in life without Reason and consideration and Will and persistence. But only innermost and inspired feelings of Heart can create beautiful. 
I wish all of you this happy harmony of reason, will and soul, but first of all you should listen to your heart and let it beat in the same rhythm with the heart of native land, with the pulse of our epoch. 

MURAT IRGALIEV
General Director «Azia Dauysy»
   

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Respected authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the city of Almaty, festival organizers, participants, sponsors and friends!

     It is my personal privilege and honor to extend my congratulations on behalf of the International Federation of Festival Organizations - known around the world as F.I.D.O.F. - for the contribution of strengthening peace and friendship through music and arts by organizing for 10 consecutive years this unique International event, where talents of all understanding had the opportunity to create an atmosphere of brotherhood and understanding and above all.

       Our recognition goes as well to all participants of the contemporary contest of the Kazakhstan songs which will have its fourth edition in the frame of the «Voice of Asia» festival.        

       Let me praise the initiatives shown by the participants of the «Children’s fine arts festival» and as well the first «Fashion show -2000», which is a contribution of the fashion designers of Kazakhstan.

       During the past ten years F.I.D.O.F.  and its members from all over the world supported the «Voice of Asia» festival in return to the wonderful hospitality and professionalism offered by all involved whit this festival.

       To use the stages of the «Voice of Asia» festival was an opportunity for an exchange of cultural heritage and present the worlds cultural diversity.

        F.I.D.O.F. proclaimed the «Voice of Asia’97» to have been the festival of the year 1997 and the Kazakhstan media received the prestigious transition F.I.D.O.F.  award - the «Golden F.I.D.O.F. Ring of Friendship» for their contribution in supporting festivals in general.

       With all these achievements, the International festival «Voice of Asia» has proven to be among the leading cultural events not only in this region but as well in the world.

       Wishing  you  successful results and the best of luck.

Prof. Armando Moreno