By Kathleen Pokrud
Under the auspices of UNESCO and ICESCO., the “Sharq Taronalari” XIII International Music Festival was recently held in the ancient and unique city of Samarkand, known as “The Pearl of the Earth”. “Sharq Taronalari”, considered one of the largest festivals in Central Asia, has as its main objectives to promote the achievements in national music to a wider public, to preserve and develop the cultures and traditions of nations, to support talented youth in music and singing and to expand international creative ties while promoting the ideals of peace, friendship and mutual tolerance. Uzbek classical music is among the most ancient and inexhaustible treasures in the world.
Established in 1997, the “Sharq Taronalari” International Music Festival welcomes musical groups and performers from 31 countries. By 2019, the number of participating countries had increased to 75 during the XII “SharqTaronalari” festival. More than 400 representatives from about 80 countries participated in the "Sharq Taronalari" XIII International Music Festival this year.
“Sharq Taronalari” has, thus, taken its place among the famous music festivals not only in Central Asia but on a global scale. The first day of the event saw a solemn opening ceremony at Registan Square, attended by the President of Uzbekistan, HE Mr Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev.
The conference welcomed 46 leading experts in the field from 32 foreign countries, including musicologists, ethnomusicologists, cultural scientists, rectors of prestigious universities, and directors of international research institutes and creative centers, significantly enhancing the prestige of the conference. In addition, an International Scientific and Practical Conference, with the theme “Music Culture of Eastern Peoples: Principles of Creative Convergence in the Processes of Globalization”, was held.
During the festival, a competition was held among the participants where performances were evaluated by an International Jury formed by the organizing committee. Winners were awarded certificates, statuettes and cash prizes. The winners were announced at the closing ceremony of the event.
Uzbek classical music is one of the most ancient treasures in the world. These timeless classical works have always been performed by both professional and amateur musicians and singers among local people, passed down through generations and enriched and refined along the way, becoming an invaluable cultural asset.
