People’s artist of the country, Hero of Turkmenistan Maya Kulieva, celebrates another birthday. The leader of nation Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to Maya Kulieva on the occasion of her birthday, as well as gorgeous flowers and gifts in a token of admiration for her talent, respect, and appreciation for an amazing performance and a huge contribution to the development of national art.

Maya Kulieva believes that the years are given to a human not in order to count them, but to work. Moreover, it is necessary to share the gathered life and professional experience with others, otherwise it’s in vain. She helped young vocalists of the musical theatres and educational institutions of Ashgabat as the main consultant in setting of the Turkmen operas and new works, restored at the initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov.

Creative way and brilliant stage career of Maya Kulieva began with amateur performances. At that time, she did not think to become a singer, but her natural musicality, pretty voice and good lungs were noted and she was sent to the contest of amateur performances to Moscow. There, the performance of Junoesque, charming Turkmen girl received the highest appraisal. It was the first step to her future profession.

By that time, an opera studio had already existed in Ashgabat, and a creation of the Opera House was in the project, founders of which one by one collected talented boys and girls from across Turkmenistan. However, primarily, professional performers were required. Therefore, in September of 1938, Maya Kulieva began studies at the Moscow Conservatory, where the Turkmen department was opened.

The teachers immediately saw her natural gift, it was meticulous and persistent work on the voice-training. It was hard, but virility, persistence and industriousness of future prima donnas of the Turkmen scene helped to cope with all challenges.

Turkmen State Opera and Ballet Theatre started its life with a production of A. Shaposhnikov “Zokhre and Takhir”, where Maya Kulieva acted the part of Princess Mahym – her first stage part.


During the Great Patriotic War, many great stage managers, writers, artists, directors, choreographers, composers visited Ashgabat. By the time, the country had its own famous composers – Veli Muhatov, Danatar Ovezov, Ashir Kuliev. Together they laid the foundation of the Turkmen opera.

During the existence of the theatre, dozens of Turkmen, Russian and European composers’ operas have been staged. And, voice of Maya Kulieva sounded in each of them. She acted the part of Abadan in the eponymous play by Yu. Meitus and A. Kuliev, Leyli in “Leyli and Mejnun” by Yu. Meitus and D. Ovezova, Shahsenem in “Shahsenem and Gharib” by A. Shaposhnikov and Ovezova D., Nabat and Ogulbek in “Kemine and kazy” by the same composers, Tatiana in “Eugene Onegin”, Marfa in “Tsar’s Bride” by N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov, Chio-Chio-San in Opera by G. Puccini, Marguerite in “Faust” by Ch. Gounod, Micaela in “Carmen” by Georges Bizet, Nedda in “Pagliacci” Leoncavallo – this is not a complete list of theatrical parts of Maya Kulieva.

Maya Kulieva regaled by her mastery not only the citizens of Turkmenistan. Fine vocal, impressive artistry, a dramatic flair brought the singer immense popularity. She has ranged half of the world with concert repertoire, representing the Turkmen musical art.

Maya Kulieva was awarded the Title of Hero of Turkmenistan in 2009 for the significant contribution to the country’s cultural development. The Opera legend also bestowed the gold medal “Altyn Aý”. In December of 2015, Maya Kulieva was rewarded the jubilee medal “Garaşsyz, Baky Bitarap Türkmenistan” for her merit. In 2007, the Opera prima was awarded the premium of the President of Turkmenistan for enduring conscientious piece of work in nurturing young artists.

People’s artist of the country, Hero of Turkmenistan Maya Kulieva is a true legend of the national culture. History of the Turkmen Opera art formation is connected with name of the outstanding vocalist. She was among those who wiped the “slate clean” the chronicle of the national opera in distant forties of the last century. Despite her venerable age, she continues to be in demand among her disciples and followers, because each her word, opinion – always valuable advice, important comment, wise counsel.

The state’s progressive advance is considered by President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov precisely from a perspective of cultural, spiritual development of society. At the initiative and under the patronage of the President of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen Opera was revived, the State Symphony orchestra of Turkmenistan was established, and it was implemented such unique cultural project, as a creation of a joint Turkmen-Austrian Symphony orchestra “Galkynysh”.