A sold-out concert of art masters of Turkmenistan was held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on April 24.

The concert was organized within the framework of the cultural event taking place in the capital of France, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Fragi, and the Forum to attract investments in the oil and gas sector of Turkmenistan (TEIF 2024).

The opening ceremony of the concert was attended by the Chairman of the UNESCO Executive Board Vera El-Khoury Lacoeuilhe, the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, the General Director of TURKSOY Mr. Sultan Raev, as well as representatives of Turkmenistan. Cultural exchange is one of the most important aspects of international cooperation, which contributes to the rapprochement of peoples and mutual enrichment of cultures, the speakers emphasized.

The concert was attended by numerous guests, as well as the delegation of Turkmenistan, which was on a visit to Paris, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Batyr Amanov, the Turkmenportal correspondent reports.

The chamber composition of the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan under the direction of Rasul Klychev, People's Artists of Turkmenistan Suhanberdi Orazberdiyev, Atageldy Garyagdyev, Zuleyha Kakayeva, Honored Artist of Turkmenistan Kerven Yovbasarov, Dovran Shammyev, Dunyagozel Begaliyeva, Yusup Geldyev, Gurbanmyrat Bayjikov and folklore group “Miras” performed for the French public.

The concert program of the evening included musical works of Turkmen classics, folk tunes and dances, and Turkmen pop songs.

The concert program opened with the song “Turkmenistan” with lyrics by Dovletgeldy Annamyradov and music by Omar Igamov performed by People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Suhanberdi Orazberdiyev.

The most popular and beloved song by all Turkmen people “Ashgabat” by Nury Halmamedov to the words of Geldy Bashiyev was performed by People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Atageldy Garyagdyev.

People's Artist of Turkmenistan Zuleyha Kakayeva performed melodious folk songs, assisted on stage by the dance group “Miras” (“Heritage”).

The song Türmeniň based on Magtymguly’s verses and his own music was sung in English by Dovran Shammyev.

The audience greeted each number of the program very warmly. Turkmen folk rhythms and dances were especially loved by the audience.

While performing “kushtdepdi” many could not sit still, trying to imitate the rhythmic movements of the ancient folk dance.