On the 3rd of November, a gala concert was held in Moscow at the Zurab Tsereteli Art Gallery of the Russian academy of arts, concluding the week-long series of competitive auditions for the IX Moscow international arts festival «Sounds of dutar» named after Nury Halmammedov.
The scale of the event is underscored by the geography of the participants. This year, the competition received over 100 applications from various countries, including Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Guatemala, and Turkmenistan. The jury chaired by the artistic director of the festival, composer Mamed Guseynov, included experts in various categories. A significant number of the competitors showcased their talents online, ensuring broad international reach.
Following the competitive auditions, musicians from Turkmenistan were recognised in several categories.
Guvanch Saryyev, double bassist of the State symphony orchestra of Turkmenistan, received the I degree laureate title in the «Bowed string instruments» category. He performed in the senior age group, performing «Adagio» by Turkmen composer Chary Nurymov and «Gypsy tunes», a technically challenging work by Spanish composer Pablo de Sarasate, arranged for double bass.
The piano part was performed by Jennet Hudaygulyyeva, a winner of international competitions and senior accompanist of the string instruments department at the Turkmen national conservatory named after M. Kulyyeva.
The laureates of the II and III degrees in the same nomination were young musicians from Turkmenistan: Milara Tahyrjanova (middle age category) and Asal Aylyyeva, Aylar Rustamova (younger age category).
In the «Vocal arts» category, Aylar Arnageldiyeva and Selbi Imamova won I place in the senior category. Second place winners were Ayjeren Abdyllayeva, Yhlas Velihanov, and Muhammetaly Muhammedov, as well as Umyt Torayev in the junior category.
In the Piano category, Nazar Reyimov (middle age category) received the prestigious I degree laureate award. II degree laureates were Aynur Kabulova, Aygozel Nurmammedova, and Ogulnazik Rahmanova (senior age group). Kerimberdi Mammedov was recognised as a III degree laureate. Amina Babayeva (junior age category) received a diploma.
Representatives from Russia and Guatemala were awarded special prizes at the festival.
The annual arts festival «Sounds of dutar» is now in its ninth year, serving as an important international platform for discovering new talent and strengthening cultural ties. Traditionally focusing on classical music rooted in ethnocultural traditions, forum of this year had a special theme. Its theme coincided with the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic war and the International year of peace and trust. The final gala concert was also dedicated to the memory of the outstanding artist Zurab Tsereteli.
