On November 26 and 27, 2025, the stage of the prestigious Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre became the center of attraction for art lovers, hosting the performances of the renowned Ural State Academic Russian Folk Choir.
The event began with a solemn opening ceremony. In his welcoming speech, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan expressed deep gratitude to the organizers and participants of the concert.
The diplomat extended special, heartfelt thanks to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He emphasized that it is thanks to their wise leadership and constant attention to the development of bilateral ties that such a high level of friendly, fraternal relations has been established between our countries, creating favorable conditions for creative exchange.
This grand cultural festival was organized through the joint efforts of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, and the Federal State Budgetary Institution of Culture “Rosconcert”.
The atmosphere in the theatre was truly festive. The hall was filled with staff of diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan, residents and guests of Ashgabat, Turkmen youth and students, and numerous admirers of Russian folk music, all united by their love for high art.
Under the directory of Artistic Director Nikolai Zaitsev, the choir presented a rich and multifaceted program that left no one indifferent. The concert opened with the majestic vocal-choreographic composition “Mother Russia” (music by Y. Voronishchev, lyrics by V. Rubchenko and Y. Voronishchev), which immediately set a tone of patriotism and soulfulness.
The program showcased the versatility of the Ural tradition. The audience was delighted by the playful and energetic “Ural Chastushkas — Tea, Chiki-Briki” (vocal and text arrangement by N. Zaitsev), and the vibrant dance number “Krutikhinsky Perebory” (music by M. Kukushkin, staged by V. Mironov), performed with impeccable skill by the ballet group.
The lyrical soul of the people was revealed in the touching song “Ah, field, field” (music by A. Galich, lyrics by D. Samoilov), while the humorous sketch “The old man with a beard is tired of me” (staged by A. Cherepanov) brought smiles to every face. The soloists shone brightly, particularly in the performance of the song “The bell sings under the arc” (music by M. Nikolaevsky), where the voice of Elena Chernova captivated the listeners.
The performance also included beloved classics that the whole hall seemed to breathe in unison with. The legendary “Moscow Nights” (music by V. Solovyov-Sedoy) and the uplifting “Katyusha” (music by M. Blanter, lyrics by M. Isakovsky) were met with a storm of applause.
The evening culminated in the magnificent vocal-choreographic scene “Ural Wedding” (arrangement by Y. Voronishchev, staging by A. Cherepanov). This complex production, weaving together wedding praises and dances like “O, Katenka,” demonstrated the full power of the ensemble’s artistry.
This concert became more than just a cultural event; it served as a spiritual bridge connecting the peoples of both countries. It was a celebration of art that transcends borders, further strengthening the feelings of brotherhood and mutual sympathy that form the bedrock of the relationship between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation.
