On August 15, Moscow will host the grand Russian-Turkmen concert “Music of Peace, Music of Friendship and Brotherhood”, symbolizing cooperation and mutual understanding while strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.
Artists from Ashgabat will join their Russian counterparts to fill audiences’ hearts with music, The Caspian Post reports per Turkmen media.
The concert will feature special welcome messages from prominent diplomats and cultural figures who, like the musicians, believe deeply in the power of art and talent. Vladimir Kuznetsov, Director of the UN Information Centre in Moscow, remarked, “Music always comes from the heart and always knows how to find its way to another heart.” He emphasized the UN’s belief that art-especially music-can unite people, inspire individuals, break down racial and political barriers, fight discrimination, and ease conflicts. Events like this, Kuznetsov noted, help the UN combat alienation.
The concert is set against several important milestones: the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust at Ashgabat’s initiative, and the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory in World War II-a historic event that paved the way for the formation of the UN, Kuznetsov added.
For Turkmen diplomats based in Moscow, these commemorations hold special significance. Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Esen Aydogdyev, highlighted the importance of marking these events in Russia with the strong support of Russian partners. He said, “We highly appreciate this and see it as a testament to the genuine friendship, mutual understanding, and respect that characterize relations between our two countries and peoples.”
The concert’s title draws inspiration from the book by Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, “Music of Peace, Music of Friendship and Brotherhood.” Acting Rector of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory Alexander Sokolov noted that the book tells the story of the legendary bard Shukur-bakhshi, who chose a musical contest instead of war against his country’s enemies-and triumphed. “May this image, reflecting the aspiration for peace, unite the musicians and the audience of the concert!” Sokolov said. He also highlighted the importance of composer Nury Halmammedov, a Moscow Conservatory graduate whose music will be performed during the event, calling him “a vital link connecting the cultures of our peoples.”
Vasily Tsereteli, President of the Russian Academy of Arts, also stressed the deep symbolism and timeliness of the concert’s title, noting its connection to both the 80th Victory anniversary and the UN’s International Year of Peace and Trust.
Organizers are currently finalizing preparations, including publishing an illustrated concert booklet featuring welcome messages from leading diplomats and cultural figures. These messages underscore a shared commitment to strengthening cultural dialogue between Russia and Turkmenistan.
Ultimately, the “Music of Peace, Music of Friendship and Brotherhood” concert promises to be more than just a ceremonial event-it will be a vivid and resonant celebration of intertwined creative bonds, a heartfelt conversation that transcends words.
