The Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre recently hosted an evocative evening of classical music featuring French pianist Christine Fonlupt. Accompanied by the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, conducted by Honored Artist Resul Gylyjov, the concert celebrated French compositions inspired and created by women.
The program opened with the works of Claude Debussy, including the tranquil “Arabesque No. 1” and the ethereal “Clair de Lune.” Fonlupt’s delicate performance of these pieces created a dreamlike atmosphere that resonated deeply with the audience.
In addition to masterpieces by Georges Bizet, the repertoire highlighted the contributions of two significant female composers. The audience enjoyed “Terpsichore” by Cécile Chaminade, a tribute to the goddess of dance, as well as a series of works by Mel Bonis. Under her masculine pseudonym, Mélanie Hélène Bonis composed powerful musical portraits of legendary women such as Desdemona, Ophelia, and Salome.
The evening concluded with a cross-cultural encore of “Black Earth” by Turkish composer Fazıl Say. Following the performance, Fonlupt met with the media in the theatre foyer. She revealed that the concert was part of a broader Central Asian tour focused on women’s stories in music. During her first visit to Turkmenistan, she expressed high praise for the Ashgabat audience, the magnificent concert facilities, and the seamless collaboration she enjoyed with the local symphony musicians.
