Friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Italy became the main leitmotif of the concert “Festival of Music”, which was held at the Makhtumkuli National Musical and Drama Theater.

Welcoming the guests of the evening, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic Luigi Ferrari emphasized the importance of the long-term cooperation between the two countries in various fields, primarily in culture.

Over the years, the creative dialogue between artists of Turkmenistan and Italy has been enriched by vivid events, among which the production of the opera “Pagliacci” come forward, the opera performed in 2019 by Italian director Daniele de Plano in collaboration with Turkmen artists.

Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Nursakhat Shirimov in his welcoming speech emphasized that the current year announced as the "International Year of Peace and Trust" will also enter the annals of the strengthening of Turkmen-Italian friendly relations owing to the visit of the famous Italian conductor Claudio Vandelly.

During his stay in Ashgabat, Maestro managed to get acquainted with the cultural heritage of the Turkmen people, hold a master class in the Turkmen National Conservatory, and also work with local musicians. The result of this cooperation was a joint concert of the State Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Conductor Rasul Klychev and an invited guest.

The musical evening was opened with a magnificent overture for the opera “Sicilian Vespers” by Giuseppe Verdi, who sounded under the leadership of Conductor Claudio Vandelli. Possessing the unique style of conducting, the maestro created an atmosphere of extraordinary melody, immersing the audience into the world of musical magic.

Subsequent works, including the intermezzo from the opera “Manon Lescaut” by Giacomo Puccini and the intermezzo from the opera “Rural Honor” by Pietro Mascagni, as well as works from “The Barber of Seville” by Gioacchino Rossini, transformed the concert into a real musical celebration, filling the hall with bright and harmonious sounds.

Rasul Klychev performed works of Nury Halmamedov – the first movement of the Symphony "Awakening" and a number from the ballet "The Decisive Step", which also left vivid impressions.

The concert, which was held to a full house, demonstrated the splendor of opera art and the diversity of musical traditions of both countries, becoming another step towards strengthening cultural dialogue aimed at cooperation and mutual understanding between peoples.