60 nations to take part in Uzbek music festival

The ninth traditional international music festival, “Sharq Taronalari,” will be held in Samarkand from Aug. 25 to 30 under the patronage of UNESCO on the eve of the 22nd anniversary of the independence of Uzbekistan.
Currently, participation in the festival includes about 60 countries, including Latvia, Burkina Faso, Russia, Japan, Turkey, Austria, Georgia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Great Britain, China, France, Madagascar, the United States, Thailand, Czech Republic, South Korea, Spain, Estonia, Egypt, amongst others.
Official media representatives from 15 countries are expected to visit the country to mark the event.
The festival will include competitions for best folk song, best performance of national melodies of the nations of the world and their interpretation of modern musical art.
Traditionally, the festival also includes seminars, round table discussions, conferences and art and musical shows.
This year, a scientific conference entitled “Musical traditions of the East in the context of contemporary culture” will also be held, which will bring together prominent scientists, art historians, musicologists, directors of music festivals and representatives of international organizations from around the world.
Rehearsals for folk dance ensembles are in full swing in Registan Square for the grand opening.
The festival has gained widespread popularity and has became one of the most prestigious international forums for music. Interest in the festival is growing annually and the fact that it is recognized as the largest music festival in the Eastern world and is held under the patronage of UNESCO makes it of high political and spiritual significance.
“Sharq Taronalari” began in 1997 at the initiative of the head of state for the first time. The festival has boasted performing groups and artists from 31 countries since then and the number of participants increases yearly. In 2011, the festival was attended by representatives from over 50 countries around the world.