Elvira Kadyrova, Ravilya Kadyrova, photo by Tamir Shakirov
Ashgabat hosted a large-scale cultural event dedicated to the arrival of the Chinese New Year. TheMukam Palace of the State Cultural Center became the stage for a concert marking the Spring Festival, serving as a vibrant symbol of the strengthening humanitarian dialogue between Turkmenistan and the People’s Republic of China.
The gala evening was opened by distinguished guests. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Ms. Counselor-Envoy of the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan, Ms. Zhong Hua; Atageldy Shamuradov, Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan; and Qian Li, Member of the Board of the Shanghai International Cultural Association.
In her speech, Ms. Zhong Hua highlighted the special significance of the occasion: “The Spring Festival is the most important traditional symbol of renewal and family reunion. In 2024, it was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today, this holiday transcends China’s borders, becoming a global event that allows friends worldwide to connect with our culture, traditions, and the modern development of our country.”
The evening’s program unfolded before the audience like a living tapestry of Chinese art. For a moment, the hall felt as though it had been transported to a festive celebration in the heart of China. The Traditional Music Quintet breathed life into ancient instruments: the Sheng, Dulcimer, Erhu, and Ruan resonated in the hands of the masters. From the lyrical classic “Blooming Flowers and Full Moon” to expressive modern compositions, the musical flow recreated everything from the serene stillness of mountain peaks to the frantic rhythm and thundering hooves of “Horse Racing.”
A true sensation was caused by the performances representing China’s intangible heritage. When Master Wang Tao took the stage, the audience sat in hushed awe: his performance of the legendary Sichuan Opera “Face-Changing” was nothing short of a magical performance. Masks transformed instantly—in a fraction of a second and with an imperceptible movement—leaving the crowd guessing how such lightning-fast metamorphosis is even possible.
The theatrical intensity was maintained by Yan Pengdong, who guided the hall into the world of Peking Opera. Through precise gestures and distinctive vocal techniques, the audience touched the living energy of centuries-old theatrical traditions from the Celestial Empire.
The culmination of the festive evening was a powerful creative collaboration as the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, conducted by Merited Artist of Turkmenistan Rasul Klychev, took the stage.
Opening their set with the soulful “Symphonic Miniatures” by the great Nury Halmammedov, the Turkmen musicians set the perfect stage for the final act—a joint performance with their Chinese colleagues.
This collaborative effort between Turkmen and Chinese musicians offered the audience a unique interpretation of “Hanging Red Lanterns” and the finale “China in the Lights.” The fusion of the rich timbre of traditional Chinese instruments with the full-scale power of the symphony orchestra created an incredible effect: the music seemed to erase the thousands of kilometers separating Turkmenistan and China. The grand finale was elevated by the vocal performances of Meng Xiaowei and Ye Sihui, whose voices filled the hall with the energy of triumph, serving as a living embodiment of the friendship and unity between the two nations.
The high caliber of the festival was ensured by the coordinated efforts of several agencies. The event was curated by the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Embassies of Turkmenistan and China. Technical and organizational support was provided by TouchRoad International Holdings Group, the Shanghai International Cultural Association, and the China Beaufin National Orchestra. The project was also supported by the Hefei Song and Dance Troupe and the Jiangchuan Road Primary School (Minhang District, Shanghai).
The “Melodies of the Silk Road” concert once again proved that art is a universal language, capable of uniting nations and opening new horizons for cooperation.///nCa, 24 February 2026
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