During the discussion of the draft of the new text and music for the anthem, Umetalieva expressed surprise that the Jogorku Kenesh had tasked the people with developing new versions of the anthem. "Presumably, this was done to allow the people to participate in the process. We have been observing this for almost a year. People have actively engaged in the discussion, but none of the proposed texts and melodies have been successful," she noted.
According to her, the anthem is not just a musical work, but a high artistic challenge that is especially important for the Kyrgyz people. Umetalieva emphasized that the current anthem, created by Nasyr Davlesov and Kalyi Moldobasanov, was given to the people and is "very good." "The composers were trained in Moscow and mastered global musical traditions," she added.
During the meeting, three versions of the new anthem were presented; however, the other options, in Umetalieva's opinion, turned out to be unsuccessful. "Only the melody by Muradeli, written in the 1940s-1950s, deserves attention, but the tempo does not meet the requirements—it should be slower and more march-like. The first two options are absolutely unsuitable, as they are written for mass patriotic songs. This is just my personal opinion," she stated.
Note: Vano Ilyich Muradeli was a Soviet composer and conductor, People's Artist of the USSR, and a laureate of two Stalin Prizes of the second degree.
The national anthem of the Kyrgyz Republic was approved on December 18, 1992, by a resolution of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.
Words: J. Sadykova, Sh. Kuluyeva. Music: N. Davlesov, K. Moldobasanov.
White snowy peaks, valleys
Equal to the spirit of our people.
For countless centuries, dwelling in Ala-Too,
Our ancestors have preserved it.
Chorus:
Move forward, Kyrgyz people,
On the path of freedom.
Grow and flourish,
Your destiny is in your hands.
From ancient times, the character of my people,
Ready to give their hearts to friends.
This unity strengthens the people's togetherness,
Bringing prosperity to the Kyrgyz land.
Chorus
Fulfilled hopes and wishes of the people,
The banner of freedom waves high.
We inherit the ancestral customs and legacy,
Let’s preserve them sacredly for future generations.
