Bio

Born in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Jeren Kurbanklycheva is recognized as the first woman composer of Turkmenistan and is one of the leading figures in the country’s contemporary classical music tradition. Raised in a family of theater artists, she began composing at an early age, writing her first piece at just eight years old.

Kurbanklycheva studied piano performance before continuing her education in composition at the Turkmen National Conservatory under renowned composer Chary Nurymov. Following her graduation, she joined the conservatory faculty and later became Chair of the Composition Department, dedicating decades to the education and mentorship of young composers.

Her music spans a wide range of genres, including symphonic, chamber, vocal, and instrumental works. Among her notable compositions are Poem for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra, Piano Concerto in Memory of Ayal Bakshy, and numerous vocal cycles and works for children. Her compositions have been performed by major orchestras throughout the former Soviet Union, including the USSR Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, and recordings of her works were released through Melodiya.

Deeply rooted in Turkmen cultural identity while embracing contemporary compositional language, Kurbanklycheva’s music combines lyricism, emotional honesty, and modern musical expression. She has spoken extensively about the importance of sincerity in music and the belief that genuine artistic expression creates a direct connection between composer and listener.  

Alongside her creative work, she has remained actively involved in music education, conducting seminars, masterclasses, and outreach programs for children and young musicians. For her artistic and educational contributions, she was awarded the title of Merited Artist of Turkmenistan and became a laureate of the Lenin Komsomol Prize of Turkmenistan.