On Sunday evening, a jazz concert took place in the open-air venue in Ashgabat Recreation and Entertainment Park.Performing on stage were musicians Vladimir Mkrtumov (keyboards), Yusup Ovezov (clarinet), Igor Shevtsov (bass guitar), Yusuf Ismailov (guitar), and Timur Oraev (percussion).
Imbued with romanticism and eclectics, the event program, a musical prologue to the summer holiday season, regaled the audience with several pleasant surprises.Yusuf Ismailov opened the evening with Louis Prima’s Sing, Sing, Sing’ which he devoted to his spouse Alina who had her birthday.
The traditional Happy Birthday to You’ song was sung for her to enthusiastic applause from the concert-goers.The jazz band played the following hits: Kenny G’s Rhythm & Romance’, Astor Piazzolla’s Tango’, Luiz Bonfa’s Manha De Carnaval’ (Morning of the Carnival) from the movie Black Orpheus’ among others, dazzling guests with their virtuoso technique and expressive style.
A wonderful surprise awaited everyone: Turkmen rising star Asya Konstanyan performed in the concert.First, she sang the song L-O-V-E’ from American jazz singer Nat King Cole’s repertoire.
Asya captivated the audience with her soaring voice with a rich timber and her engaging stage presence.Probably to demonstrate her vocal powers at their best, the singer sang the heart-rending song A Revelation’ (music by Igor Nikolaev, lyrics by Marina Tsvetaeva).
The song was followed by emotionally charged jazz improvisations.Valery Didulya’s Flamenco’ touched the audience very deeply.The passionate and rhythmic music plunged the concert-goers into a dramatic atmosphere of the contrasting old Spanish dance.
Richard Micallef’s Going Home’ brought the evening of jazz music to a close.After thanking the organizer of the jazz concert maestro Mkrtumov and all the musicians for the creative idea and their brilliant performances, I decided to get to know Asya Konstanyan better. - I come from Ashgabat, the singer told about herself.
After completing school I entered the American University of Central Asia (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan), the Psychology Department.In addition to the core curriculum, the University offers liberal arts programs, including signing.
I started taking vocal lessons with Olga Zhizherina, a lead opera singer at the A.Maldybaev Opera and Ballet Theater.I have been singing since childhood at all times and in all places.
When I was a university student, I sang in amateur performances.Thanks to my singing teacher Olga Zhizherina my voice became more expressive, richer in timber and velvety tones.
I also mastered the intoning techniques.After returning home, I have continued vocal training via SKYPE, practicing the techniques developed by my teacher. - Who came up with the idea of organizing today’s joint concert? - I was keen to have a real professional stage experience and once after one of the concerts I plucked up enough courage to request Vladimir Mkrtumov audition me. … And today I had the honor of sharing the same stage with him.
I am delighted that I have made a successful debut today and have been warmly received by the audience.On June 6, I will perform in a new program to be presented by the String Orchestra under Takhir Ataev at Watan Cinema and Concert Hall.
I hope the Ashgabat music-loving public will not be disappointed. - Thank you kindly for the conversation.I wish you success in your singing career.We are looking forward to new impressive performances.