Rejep Rejepov, composer and People's Artist of Turkmenistan, left an indelible mark on Turkmen cinema, accompanying many films that have become part of the country's cinematic heritage with his beautiful music.

In honor of the composer's 80th birthday, the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan held a concert dedicated to Rejep Rejepov's film music at the Palace of Mukams.

The concert program opened with "Song of Running Water." Notably, this piece was composed for a documentary about the Garagum Canal, but the melody became so beloved by listeners that it was widely used as a screensaver on radio and television.

A large portrait of Rejep Rejepov hung above the stage, and Resul Gylyjov, Honored Artist of Turkmenistan, was at the conductor's podium. The beloved melody resonated like the murmur of waves, embodying the long-awaited dream of water and the coolness of a man-made blue river for the Turkmen people. The film "The Daughter-in-Law" has been remembered for decades by audiences for its genuine characters and Rejep Rejepov's remarkable music. Selbiniyaz Annadurdyeva, Honored Artist of Turkmenistan, performed a song from this film, well-known in every city and village.

Music from the film "Fragi, Separated from Happiness" was accompanied by scenes depicting the poet's dreamed encounter with Mengli.

In total, 14 film melodies were performed during the concert program, including "Quenching Thirst," "Genie from the Bottle," "Whiteout," and others. However, this is far from a complete list of films featuring Rejep Rejepov's work. Performing all his film music would require several such concerts.

The audience particularly remembered the film "Man Overboard," in which the composer played a cameo role and sang a song about geologists. A fragment from this film was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

"I hold Rejep Rejepov in great reverence," Resul Gylyjov shared with the audience in his closing remarks. "Firstly, he is my teacher, and secondly, my friend. I admire his emotionally gentle and thoughtful music. In this music lies his essence: a beautiful, very modest and intelligent person."

The audience was captivated by the performance of the symphony orchestra. The music and film scenes evoked nostalgia in many older viewers, reminding them of their past youth. However, even younger audience members applauded the singers and musicians with admiration. Among the audience was ethnographer Ajap Bayriyeva, Rejep Rejepov's sister. Judging by her delighted expression, she was pleased with the concert held in honor of her brother.