The Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre successfully hosted the Bolero concert, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding French composer Maurice Ravel.

The musical works of the great Frenchman were performed by the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan under the direction of Rasul Klychev and the country's renowned pianist Vladimir Mkrtumov.

The concert was organized by the French Embassy in Turkmenistan, the French Institute and the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, with the support of the company "Bouygues Turkmen".

According to Turkmenistan: Golden Age, Philippe Merlin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Turkmenistan, addressed the audience before the concert. He thanked the audience for their interest in the outstanding XX century French composer, who described himself as "I think with music," and expressed confidence that the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan would provide a truly immersive performance of his works.

Ravel's musical legacy is relatively small, but priceless. Musicologists call his style impressionism in music: such a vibrant and rich palette of sonic colors is felt in every work of the composer.

The concert featured such works by the composer as “Pavane for a Dead Princess”, “Concerto in G major for piano and orchestra” and his most famous work “Bolero”.

Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra Rasul Klychev:

"To be able to embark on a journey into the world of Maurice Ravel's music to a sold-out audience is, I consider, a historic event in the musical life of Turkmenistan. I want to thank the talented pianist Vladimir Mkrtumov for his courage in tackling any complex piece and performing it brilliantly."

We remind you that European Culture Days are taking place in Ashgabat. Residents and visitors to the Turkmen capital are also invited to attend a concert on November 21 at 19:00 featuring renowned Polish pianist Wojciech Waleczek and the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan under the baton of Rasul Klychev. The evening's program will feature Frédéric Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1. The concert is open to the public.