A solo concert by composer Ayna Shirova was held with tremendous success in the Grand Hall of the Turkmen National Conservatory named after Maya Kuliyeva. The hall was packed to capacity, and notably, many children were among the audience. There is a simple explanation for this: Ayna’s father, Hemra Shirov, is a renowned children's poet, and Ayna has composed music for many of his poems. As a result, the evening’s program included pieces and miniatures from the cycles “We Are Children,” “Children’s Album,” and “Sea Sketches.” However, Ayna Shirova is a composer of remarkable versatility. Alongside works on children’s themes, she also presented compositions such as “Love,” “Old Nisa,” and “Immortal Regiment.”
The concert was organized in early May, when the air is filled not only with the fragrance of flowers but also with anticipation of the upcoming Victory Day celebrations. For this reason, the program opened with Ayna Shirova’s patriotic work “Immortal Regiment.” In its music, one could hear the marching steps of weary veterans who had crossed half the world, winning Victory for the bright future of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The musicians of the “Melody” Orchestra, under the direction of international award laureate Annaoraz Dovletov, performed several more of the composer’s works, including “A Walk in the Rain” and “The Little Pipe.” In the vocal section of “The Little Pipe,” the sound of the traditional tuyduk was rendered with great precision by “Тürkmeniň Аltyn asyry” State Prize laureate Bahar Durdyeva.
The piece “Love” for violin and piano was performed by international competition laureate Seyran Ataniyazov and international competition diploma winner Stella Faramazova. This profound feeling may be directed toward a loved one, a mother, a child, one’s profession, or one’s homeland. Thus, the emotions that express love have many shades. In Ayna Shirova’s music, love is portrayed as a timeless and unwavering feeling, one that remains steadfast despite any changes around us.
The audience also enjoyed four pieces from “Children’s Album,” performed by Tylly Shirova, a student at Music School No. 1 and Ayna Shirova’s daughter. Other highlights included the clear, bright voice of Ayjeren Abdyllayeva in “Bird Swings,” the mellow and expressive sound of Shirkhan Batyrov’s saxophone in “Sea Sketches,” and the lively voices of students from the Specialized Music Boarding School in their performance of “We Are Children” from the vocal cycle of the same name.
One of the evening’s most delightful surprises was the presentation of an “Unfinished Piece.” Pianist Stella Faramazova began performing it, but intentionally left it incomplete. The audience was then invited to share how they imagined the continuation of the piece and which instruments they would like to hear in it. At one of her upcoming concerts, Ayna Shirova plans to present a new composition inspired by these suggestions, to be titled “A Piece Written with the Audience’s Help.” Her creative imagination truly knows no bounds.
The concert concluded with a vibrant performance by the violin ensemble “Mukam,” led by People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Harold Neimark. Though still young, these talented boys and girls already possess considerable performing experience. They delighted the audience with the cheerful and spirited piece “Lights of Nowruz.”
Ayna Shirova’s concert left the audience with warm hearts and a truly springlike May mood.
