Remembering the Master: A Jubilee Concert in Honor of Tom Khomyakov Was Held in Tashkent

Remembering the Master: An anniversary concert in honor of Tom Khomyakov was held in Tashkent

Last week, a special, festive atmosphere filled the hall of the State Institute of Arts and Culture of Uzbekistan. The anniversary memorial concert "Life in Art", dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the birth of Tom Aleksandrovich Khomyakov, was held here. This evening was a mark of deep respect for the honored worker of culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, an outstanding musician, a talented teacher, and a person whose destiny was inextricably linked with music and the orchestra of Russian folk instruments.

The hall was filled with warm words, sincere smiles, and, of course, music — it resounded everywhere, serving as a reminder of Tom Aleksandrovich's vibrant legacy. His students and colleagues came to pay tribute to the memory of their mentor and associate. The organizers of the evening — the head of the "Cholg‘u ijrochiligi" department, Associate Professor F. A. Khakimova, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Art History, holder of the "Madaniyat va san’at fidokori" badge, Associate Professor T. T. Sedykh — prepared a truly rich and varied program for the guests.

The performance of young talents was particularly touching. That day, the stage was given to young musicians whose skill and boundless devotion to the art so beloved by Khomyakov evoked sincere admiration. Colleagues also shared warm memories of him. Among them, particularly memorable were the holder of the "Shukhrat" medal, laureate of international competitions, Professor M. Atadjanov, who presented his opus "Okhangrabo", as well as the Excellence in Public Education awardee, Associate Professor of the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan A. Tikhonov, whose performance in an ensemble with a student became a real decoration of the concert. And how soulfully the "Nadezhda" choir of the "Khimik" Palace of Culture (directed by Z. R. Asanova) from Chirchik performed Russian folk songs, along with many others — unfortunately, it is impossible to list them all.

Memory takes me back to the days when Tom Aleksandrovich, together with his group, performed in my television program "Musical Lounge". Exactly 35 years ago, Tashkent widely celebrated his double anniversary: 60 years since his birth and 40 years of creative activity. The concert stage, the conductor's podium, teaching work at the Hamza College — every stage of his biography was inextricably linked with music.

However, first things first. Tom Khomyakov was born on July 20, 1931, in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan. At age 15, he went to work in production, and then graduated from an electrical engineering school. The path to art was not easy. He began studying music in 1945 in an amateur art group led by N. A. Kasyanov. In 1950, he entered the Tashkent Hamza Music College in the domra class, but just a year later he was drafted into the army.

Service in the orchestra of the Turkestan Military District under the direction of A. F. Venezhnev and A. V. Petrov became an important stage: it was here that his professionalism and performing style were forged. After demobilization, he returned to his studies at the college, and then entered the Tashkent State Conservatory at the Faculty of Uzbek Folk Instruments. Having graduated in 1962 as a conductor and domra teacher (his mentors at various times were A. I. Petrosyants, F. V. Nazarov, A. P. Evdokimov, and others), Tom Aleksandrovich linked decades of his life with his native college, where he had been teaching since 1957 — while still a student.

Long before this, his large-scale work as an educator and organizer began. For 26 years, he directed an amateur orchestra at the T. Sadykov City House of Culture. Over these years, more than a thousand people passed through the group. Many became prominent professional musicians: for example, V. L. Medyulyanov later headed the orchestra of the State Radio and Television Company, while O. S. Siloamsky directed the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Turkestan Military District. As for the orchestra under Khomyakov's direction, it gave over 400 concerts, performed on television and radio, traveled twice to Moscow to the VDNKh, and invariably became a laureate of reviews and competitions.

Later, Khomyakov taught at the M. Ashrafi Tashkent Conservatory, was in charge of teaching practice, took top students to capital universities in Moscow and Leningrad, conducted methodological courses, and worked in a laboratory for the improvement of folk instruments. However, since 1964, the Hamza College had become his main home again. For 20 years, he directed pedagogical and practical training here, generously sharing his experience at republican conferences — from Tashkent and Bukhara to Namangan and Jizzakh.

And then the terrible Tashkent earthquake occurred. But a whole set of folk instruments was sent to the college as a gift from Moscow, and then Tom Aleksandrovich's main dream came true: he took his place at the podium of the orchestra, which would later be named "Druzhba" (Friendship). Thus began a new chapter in his life.

With this orchestra, Tom Aleksandrovich launched extensive musical, educational, and concert activities that were widely reflected in the press in Uzbekistan and beyond. However, working in a student orchestra brings special agony and joy. As soon as you train the kids and put your soul into them, they graduate, and everything has to start all over again. But Tom Aleksandrovich created a group that sounded like a first-class philharmonic ensemble! At that time, no city holiday could do without his "Druzhba". The group under his direction toured with concerts, helped amateur groups throughout Uzbekistan, and shared experience. Its repertoire included more than two hundred works: from Bach and Tchaikovsky to contemporary authors and Uzbek melodies. Freshness, temperament, living breath — this is what set "Druzhba" apart, which subsequently became a laureate of the Youth Prize of Uzbekistan.

Under the sensitive guidance of Tom Aleksandrovich Khomyakov, the orchestra became a magnet for the brightest stars of the republic's musical sky. His baton brought together under its arch outstanding professionals: Honored Art Worker, Professor of the M. Ashrafi Tashkent Conservatory A. A. Adylov; soloist of the A. Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre, People's Artist of Uzbekistan K. Mukhitdinov; People's Artist of the RSFSR, Associate Professor of the Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg) Conservatory V. Baeva; Honored Artists of Uzbekistan L. Pinkhasov and Yu. Zhdanov, as well as many other talented musicians.

Today, looking back at the path taken by the hero of the anniversary, it is impossible not to admire his tireless search, bold experiments, and striving for new musical forms. But most importantly — every one of his musical endeavors was imbued with sincerity and deep devotion to the cause. The anniversary program dedicated to his 60th birthday and the shining eyes of his students are the best proof that a life given to music was not lived in vain, leaving behind a rich legacy.

The recent concert, filled with sincere emotions and inspiration, became not just a musical event, but also a touching dedication to a man whose life was inextricably linked with service to art. It was an opportunity to express the deepest gratitude and respect to a master who not only created himself, but also generously shared his talent, lighting new stars in the musical sky and nurturing generations of gifted musicians who continued his work. His contribution to culture is not just notes and melodies, but a living thread connecting the past, present, and future of musical art.