In Ashgabat, vivid performances by the Ural State Academic Russian Folk Choir are taking place on the stage of the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre of Turkmenistan on November 26–27. Their program includes Russian folk songs, melodious works of the war and post-war years, and lively vocal and choreographic interpretations.
The authentic and modern features of the musical traditions of various regions of the Russian Federation are vividly reflected in the compositions performed by the Russian vocalists on the Turkmen stage.
Conveying to the audience the melody, harmony, rhythm, and expressive meaning of Russian songs, the artists stirred emotions, thoughts, and an understanding of the vast layer of ordinary human kindness—thus once again proving that art is an eternal, universal means of communication and bringing together people of all nationalities.
The musical art of the Ural ensemble—at times smooth and lyrical, sometimes melodic and dramatic, as well as energetic and contemplative—evoked sincere gratitude from the Ashgabat audience through prolonged waves of applause for the opportunity to journey into the world of distinctive and rich Russian culture.
In his address to the audience, the head of the diplomatic mission of the Russian Federation in Turkmenistan, Ivan Volynkin, speaking about the strong bonds of friendship, especially emphasized the symbolism of the fact that, on the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the performances of the Ural Choir are taking place on hospitable Turkmen land, where, just as in Russia, the military and labor feats of all peoples are remembered and deeply honored.
Separately noting the careful attitude toward the Russian language and culture, I. Volynkin expressed appreciation to the leadership of Turkmenistan.
“Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank the President of Turkmenistan, the esteemed Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the esteemed Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for their attentive attitude toward the development of our bilateral humanitarian ties,” said the diplomat.
The performances of the creative ensemble from Yekaterinburg in Ashgabat are being held as part of the project “A Complex of Cultural Actions Abroad Aimed at Promoting and Popularizing the Russian Language”, supported by the Ministries of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation.
The Ural State Academic Russian Folk Choir is one of the oldest and most renowned professional ensembles of Russia, representing the folk art traditions of the Urals and the entire country. The choir was founded in July 1943 at the Sverdlovsk Philharmonic. Over this time, the close-knit team of vocalists—despite generational changes—has remained true to its traditions and has become a laureate of numerous Russian and international competitions. The choir has performed in more than 50 countries around the world.
The concert program of the Ural ensemble in Ashgabat includes songs such as “Katyusha,” “Moscow Nights,” “Mother Russia,” “On the Hill, on the Little Hill,” “Ah, Field, Field, Field,” “At the Bridegroom’s Gate,” “Beyond the Outskirts,” and others.
In the theatre foyer, a unique exhibition of Russian folk costumes is on display, allowing visitors to acquaint themselves with the masterful embodiment of Russia’s spiritual traditions. The exposition is presented by the collector of the collection, the well-known ethnographic researcher Sergey Glebushkin.
