Backstage, everything was buzzing like a beehive: someone was checking the tuning of a violin for the hundredth time, someone was adjusting a bow tie, and the teachers were whispering their final instructions. Meanwhile, the hall gradually filled with people. The air literally sparkled with creative tension. Thus began the final concert of Ashgabat's First Music School, held under the 2026 motto "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses."

The concert program turned into a round-the-world tour, where spectators required neither visas nor tickets. The Alemgoshar Choir, under the direction of Ilhama Abad Gyzy, created a veritable musical teleportation: one moment we were listening to the rhythmic African song "Bonse Aba" with its colorful tambourines, and suddenly we found ourselves in the festive atmosphere of "Hava Nagila." One of the shining stars of this choral performance was Amalia Ovchinnikova. A natural artist, she performed joyfully, bringing smiles to even the most serious music connoisseurs.

Then the school violin ensemble, directed by Anzhelika Yalkapova, took the stage. The students performed the "Winter" concerto from Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons." Their performance was so harmonious that one wondered if they had been rehearsing together since birth. This year's talented violinist, Emine Nuryeva, also performed with the ensemble, holding herself with such dignity, playing with incredible artistry and enthusiasm.

Tylla Shirova, another 2026 graduate, also set a high bar for pianism. At just 14 years old, she is already a laureate of prestigious music competitions. Tylla masterfully performed her favorite Beethoven's "Pathétique Sonata" with such rebelliousness and emotion that the great composer would surely have been pleased. Her teacher, Larisa Illarionovna Orazmamedova, could barely contain her pride as she watched her student perform. Later, after the concert, Tylla shared:

-The "Pathetique" sonata became my musical talisman. I won several music competitions with it this year. For this, I thank, first and foremost, my mentor, Larisa Illarionovna. Without her, without her valuable advice, none of this would have happened. My other talisman was... a dress. My "lucky" outfit by Turkmen fashion designer Chinar Pirkuliyeva, the sister of the renowned designer Govher Governe. I wore it to my most important performances, and every time, I was lucky!

The concert continued with a performance by students in the wind instrument department, adding a touch of expression. Clarinetist Yunus Nepesov presented the emotional "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla, and Serafima Yezhova's flute, "Saltus Hangarius" by composer Miklós Kockar, sounded so fresh. It seemed that it was not a flute, but some kind of folk instrument on which a little shepherd boy in the mountains was playing tunes.

The concert's atmosphere was particularly lively thanks to the accordion ensemble led by Gulbibi Khodjamgulyeva. In the hands of the young musicians, this instrument revealed its full versatility. A medley of Turkmen songs brought the audience to unanimous applause. The pop orchestra, led by Dovletguly Atayev, with the legendary tango "La Cumparsita," finally convinced the audience that this school knows how to create not only music but also style.

Sofia Alikperova, whose violin performance in John Williams's "Angel's Lullaby" brought the audience to a standstill, provided moments of deep reflection.

-I come from a creative family," says Sofia. "My mother encouraged my passion for music. From early childhood, we listened to a lot of music together. Everything from classical to contemporary hits. But I always loved the melodious cantilevered melodies of the star composer John Williams." And I was happy when the orchestra director offered me the violin solo from the music for the film Schindler's List.

Shirin Dzhumaeva's vocals, performing Nury Khalmamedov's "Ayna," reminded everyone that the younger generation has a keen appreciation for national classics and treats them with care and reverence.

The school orchestra, conducted by Guvanchmukhammet Saparaliev, delivered the final, impressive chord. When Karl Jenkins' "Palladio" and Toygar Işıkly's dramatic "Forbidden Love" began, it became clear that the bar for excellence had been raised so high that only those truly passionate about their craft could reach it.

The evening was marked by energy and grace, and looking at the stage, it was clear that these students weren't just learning; they truly lived music. After the concert, guests approached the teachers, ensemble and orchestra directors, the principal, and the head teacher, shaking their hands and expressing admiration and gratitude. The young musicians' delighted parents couldn't hide their pride, while the teachers mentally prepared for more hours of rehearsals.

The recent concert proved that the school isn't just maintaining its reputation; it's a benchmark itself, remaining first in both its performance and its skill level.

Sevil Ziyadinova