For the musicians of the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, a hot summer has begun in its own way - the temperature is raised by the creative intensity of international festivals held at prestigious global venues and gathering leading groups from dozens of countries. Naturally, each group of participants at such events strives to show their best side, to stand out, to make a brilliant display and to be remembered, therefore the intelligent atmosphere of collegial, professional and friendly communication is still incredibly charged with a competitive, Olympic spirit.

And the first of such exciting events of this summer for our musicians was the World Orchestra Festival in Vienna - "One Future" World Orchestra Festival, which took place on July 25-28 and brought together groups from 40 countries.

This debut participation for performers from Turkmenistan in such a famous music forum, which left a special mark on their mission: not just to perform and show themselves, but to open to the sophisticated European public a territory that is still little known to them - Turkmen music in its original expressiveness and genetic characteristics.

With the courage characteristic of Turkmen horsemen, our musicians from among the string players of the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan under the direction of Resul Klychev brought to the Austrian capital in their performance baggage not only masterpieces of world classics, but also dutar music.

• In fact, national Turkmen music is perceived with great interest in Europe. Yes, it is very different from what they are used to listening to there, it has a unique polyrhythm and other features unusual for European ears, but that is what makes it so special, - Resul Klychev said.

Turkmen musicians also immediately attracted the attention of the public, performing at the opening ceremony of the festival in front of the famous Vienna City Hall: a school with "roots", a professional level and strict thoughtfulness of the performers, their individual creative merits and general cohesion, the passionate charm of the artistic director did their job.

The festival program also included master classes at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, which is one of the most famous music universities in the world. Members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and professors of the University, together with other Austrian experts, conducted practical "trainings" on various topics and techniques. For young musicians, this is a good opportunity to meet leading world music educators and master advanced methods and excellent performance skills that will create a solid foundation for their future development.

The orchestra's competitive performances took place in the MuTh concert hall, where our musicians presented Tchaikovsky's Serenade for String Orchestra. According to the composer's own admission, the model for his string serenade was the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, so the choice of one of the most beloved works of the popular symphonic repertoire was symbolically conditioned and at the same time extremely responsible. After all, it was necessary not only to maintain the “bar” set by venerable predecessors, but also to make the international jury, which included world-famous orchestral conductors and music experts, feel the freshness of perception.

It is hard to imagine a musician's daily routine without rehearsals and preliminary performances, so the plot of the Vienna "Rhapsody" for the participants of the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan included this part of the work in the best halls of the Austrian capital, imbued with the spirit of high art and artistry.

In addition, the Turkmen string group performed a special concert in the iconic Strauss House and the Votive Church, where the beauty of the music and the unique atmosphere of the sacred room, combined with live talented performance, create extraordinary impressions, in which the Austrians definitely know a thing or two.

In addition, our participants brought with them a small exhibition of national exhibits, colorful publications about Turkmen culture and the new city of Arkadag, which added more authenticity, visualization and information to the Austrian public's acquaintance with the art of modern Turkmenistan, the works of Turkmen composers.

And finally, the apotheosis of the world festival was the gala concert in the famous Golden Hall of the Musikverein, the acoustics of which are considered as incomparable as its luxurious interior. From here, the famous New Year's concert of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is broadcast to the whole world every year.

The gala concert was the highlight of the festival and left unforgettable memories for all participants. The Turkmen orchestra performed on this grand stage and managed to impress Austrian and international guests with their artistic achievements.

Competition, of course, is not the ultimate goal of the festival, which provides an open and fair opportunity for orchestras, but in their own style, to declare themselves in the format of a competition, which the Turkmen string players did very successfully.

Participation in the festival not only demonstrates Turkmenistan's commitment to developing young musical talents, but also strengthens cultural diplomacy through music. Acting as ambassadors, the performers of the State Symphony Orchestra contribute to the global recognition of Turkmen music and to integrating our art into the global context of modern culture.

The festival in Vienna has ended, and in the meantime, two more compositions of the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan are going to Germany - to Berlin, where an evening of Turkmen music will be held as part of the international festival, and to Bayreuth in Bavaria, where our orchestra members are participating in a musical marathon not for the first time. They were well appreciated by international experts, who again invite and wait for Turkmen musicians to European stages, and interest is shown specifically in national Turkmen music.

Another group of musicians from the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan is going to take part in the 6th Tsinandali Festival, which will be held in early September in Georgia. Turkmenistan has already taken part there and is now officially represented in the Pan-Caucasian Symphony Orchestra, with which world-famous conductors come to work.

Our subsequent publications will cover participation in prestigious festivals and the immediate plans of the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan.

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