Today, the solemn opening of the "Music of the World" International Festival took place at the Mukams Palace of the State Cultural Center.

Composers, conductors, best opera singers, and musicians from the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, France, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the event.

In the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, Turkmenistan, together with other countries, is paving the way for friendship and peace, promoting global sustainable progress. A special role here is given to cultural dialogue, which fosters mutual understanding and spiritual enrichment among peoples.

The International Festival, dedicated to the 2025 motto — "International Year of Peace and Trust" and the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality — acquires special significance in the context of the large-scale work carried out in our country on cultural diplomacy, an important component of Turkmenistan’s constructive foreign policy.

Our neutral homeland, having acquired a peacekeeping status, is expanding friendly relations with neighboring countries and putting forward initiatives that contribute to strengthening peace and security. Turkmenistan, having proclaimed a policy of broad international cooperation, attaches great importance to developing extensive dialogue with various countries of the world and major international organizations.

It should be noted that the idea of the peacekeeping mission of art is the foundation of the book by the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, titled "Music of Peace, Music of Friendship and Brotherhood," which tells about the great Turkmen musician Shukur Bakhshi through the prism of our state’s good-neighborly policy.

The hall of the Mukams Palace gathered the leadership of the cultural sphere, representatives of relevant institutions, media, creative workers of our country, university professors, and students.

The significance of this large-scale event was emphasized in the Address of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the participants of the "Music of the World" International Festival, which was read at the beginning of the ceremony.

As noted in the message from the head of state: "At present, we are actively working on improving our national culture and art, as well as further developing international cooperation in the field of culture. Regularly held international festivals, concerts, and creative forums in our country play a significant role in popularizing achievements in the field of national culture and art, inspire our people to new accomplishments, and strengthen friendly and fraternal relations with the countries of the world."

The President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the "Music of the World" International Festival will contribute to popularizing the cultural and spiritual values of the peoples of the world and expanding creative ties between cultural and artistic figures.

The welcoming address of the head of state was met with enthusiastic applause.

A unique prologue to the celebration was the song "Türkmenistan," performed with the accompaniment of the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan and the State Choir of the country, serving as a hymn of unity and solidarity of the Turkmen people.

The concert continued with performances by well-known domestic and foreign artists. Beautiful songs and compositions performed jointly were dedicated to peace, friendship, brotherhood and unity.

The concert program presented a rich variety of opera art, including rare examples of vocal traditions from various opera schools of the world.

The audience warmly welcomed artists from Uzbekistan, China, and Armenia, whose performances included musical works such as "Nowruz alawlary," "unabi, marali, şuşiki," the song "saňa garaşaryn," and others.

A highlight of the concert was the aria "Zemfira’s Aria" from the opera "Aleko," as well as the song "Haýrana galar" composed by Nury Halmamedov. The vocal mastery of the singers, honed over years of work on leading opera stages, allowed listeners to enjoy the highest level of performing arts.

The brightness and originality of the event were enhanced by vocal performances such as "Çubonaliniň aýdymy" from the opera "The Tricks of Maisara," and "Gülchohranyň aýdymy" from the operetta "Arshin Mal Alan," performed by Uzbek and Azerbaijani artists.

A special intonation was added to the musical fabric by the song "Meniň aşgabadym," performed by a soloist from the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russian Federation, dedicated to the pearl of Central Asia and the city of love and friendship — Ashgabat.

The performances reflected the main ideological direction of the international festival — mutual enrichment of cultures, friendship, and harmony. Inspired by a common goal, the artists put their soul and talent into every performance.

The final chord of the evening was the song "Türkmen sährasy," performed by the concert participants.

Standing, the audience greeted this song with enthusiastic applause, demonstrating great pride for their beloved homeland, moving forward on the path of peace, progress, and creation.

A special addition to the celebration of the opening of the international festival was an exhibition held in the foyer of the Mukams Palace.

As part of the festival, a tour was organized for guests, providing an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the museum treasures and sights of the Turkmen capital.

The significance of such a large-scale cultural event will be further enhanced by a creative meeting of domestic and foreign artists scheduled for May 20, as well as master classes by famous foreign artists for students of the country’s music schools.

The "Music of the World" International Festival will conclude with a gala concert featuring domestic and foreign masters of the arts.