Red carnations and forever young hearts

Participants of the annual war songs’ festival Red Carnation were standing outside the concert hall at the national centre of childhood and youth Seitek practicing their performances, while old war songs were heard in every corner of the hall.

It has been 10 years since the concert traditionally takes place in Kyrgyzstan, starting with the symbolic Red Carnation song performed by the like-named chorus.

“Why are you sitting aside?”, I asked a lady in an embroidered kokoshnik.

“Because my costume differs from the others. I made it by myself and do not want to be a black sheep. Singing is my reason to live for the last 15 years. I can not picture myself without singing,” said Varvara Chernyak.

Malik Rakishev, deputy head of the culture department of the Bishkek city hall shook hand of each veteran and gave personal thanks for that warmth and energy they bring to people, being a worthy example for the younger generation.  He also congratulated veterans on the Great Victory Day and awarded each with diplomas and cash prizes.

“I still do not understand why was I honored with a special prize for artistic skills?”, said Valentina Korotkova, fixing her fielded cap.

Almost all members of the chorus awarded prizes for significant contribution to amateur performances. The organizational committee has given special attention to the only one Kyrgyz singer of the chorus – Zaryl Duishenalieva, while Vladimir Prihodko was recognized for Solo singing and Svetlana Korotenko – for Artistic singing.

The festival brought joy to all participants and the audience, cheerfully keening its favorite songs.