The collapse of the Soviet system is presenting new challenges to musicians in Central Asia. Under the Communist order, officials placed strict limits on the ability of musicians and composers to express themselves. These days, the main obstacle is connected with economics.
Creativity is limited by the dire financial circumstances that most musicians face.
For those who have the resources, however, new technologies are expanding musical possibilities. Vladimir Gusev is the director of Music Hall, a creative association in Kyrgyzstan dedicated to producing new musical works. One of Music Hall s most recent projects is the production of a compact disk in collaboration with the Soros Foundation Kyrgyzstan called Kyrgyz Musical Instruments. Gusev spoke to EurasiaNet about the challenges of making music today in Central Asia. The text of the conversation follows.