HOLY SOUNDS FOUNDATION TO LINK
MUSLIM, JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN CULTURES
THROUGH MUSIC

Endorsed and Blessed By World Leaders, Foundation
To Encourage Communication and Understanding
Through Music

Rome, Italy (February 28, 2002) - Seeking to bridge cultural and religious differences through the shared language of music, prominent Eastern agricultural industrialists Mrs. Alfiya and Mr. Timur Kuanyshev today announced at the Campidoglio the establishment of the Holy Sounds Foundation. A new global resource created to foster understanding and peace among Muslim, Jewish and Christian peoples, the Foundation embraces a mission to encourage music education, develop music preservation centers for sacred and authentic music, and present worldwide music concerts and festivals.

"Throughout the ages, music has proven to be a universal tool that enlightens, heals and unites, transcending cultural differences through a shared emotional journey," explains Alfiya Kuanysheva. "Music is the language that lifts the human spirit toward the common and higher good. The Holy Sounds Foundation was born out of the belief that devotional music is a powerful force that can have a positive impact on millions of people worldwide, especially in these turbulent times."

Headquartered in Seville, Spain, where all three cultures have historically flourished, the non-profit foundation will support individuals, groups and organizations that use music to encourage greater communication and cooperation among the Jewish, Christian and Muslim cultures. Beneficiaries may include existing universities, community and religious groups, and music and art institutions, in addition to music preservation centers founded under the aegis of the Holy Sounds Foundation. Special grants will also be given to those who teach the music of their tradition, reaching youths and young adults who may otherwise not have an opportunity to experience this vital part of their culture. As the organization matures, its mission may well expand to include other cultures and religions.

A major Holy Sounds Foundation musical event will be staged in Rome later this year, it was announced by the Foundation's premier patron in Italy, Giancarlo Elia Valori. Details will be released in the future. The Foundation is also planning various other musical events around the world, and is in the early stages of planning a global musical event in Jerusalem itself.

Mr. and Mrs. Kuanyshev were joined at the announcement ceremony by the Mayor of Rome, Mr. Walter Beltroni and other special guests. Mrs. Kuanyshev introduced the first three recipients of Holy Sounds Foundation grants.

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