The Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater in Ashgabat became the main stage for the Ural State Academic Russian Folk Choir for two days. The legendary collective presented the rich palette of Russian folk art to the Turkmen public: from old songs and melodies of the war years to incendiary vocal and choreographic performances.

During the tour, Nikolai Zaitsev, the artistic director of the Ural Choir, shared his impressions with the correspondent of “GA”.

N. Zaitsev noted that this is not the first visit to Ashgabat for the Ural Choir.

"The Ural Folk Choir is actually not for the first time in Ashgabat, but for the second time. The first visit was back in 1988. And now, for the first time in the 21st century, the Ural Choir is here again, in the hospitable land of Turkmenistan. When I asked the veterans how they were received, they recalled these events very warmly, saying that the sounds of dutar still resound in their hearts," says N. Zaitsev.

According to the artistic director, this time the band brought a concert program called "Legend of the Urals". It reflects the rich traditions and distinctive heritage of the Ural region of Russia.

A choral and dance group arrived in Ashgabat. The program included lyrical and patriotic songs, humorous sketches, comic variations, Ural ditties, as well as rousing quadrille and folk dances.

"It was clear from the applause of the audience that the concerts really became a generator of the unification of our peoples, our friendship, as it was before. And this is extremely important today," concluded Nikolai Zaitsev.

The tour of the Yekaterinburg-based band in Ashgabat was organized as part of a project to promote the Russian language and culture with the support of the Ministries of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation. Founded in 1943, the Ural Choir remains one of the oldest and most decorated professional vocal and choreographic groups in Russia.