Samarkand, Uzbekistan,                         30 August 2024

By Ashraf Siddiqui

‘Sharq Taronalari’ (Melodies of the East) musical festival is a solemn call on the world to embrace cooperation and solidarity, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 13th grand festival inaugurated recently in the ancient city of Samarkand, President Mirziyoyev said the festival has become a global convergence of melodies in essence and meaning. 'How many fascinating, beautiful melodies have sounded over the past times under the starry sky of Samarkand! Thanks to our forum, the musical values formed in the ancient East have won wide international recognition', he added.

He further said that the festival revealed the names of dozens of talented singers and musicians, gifted young people, gave their creativity strength and inspiration, and gave them wings to fly.

More than 400 artistes, scholars and industry experts from around 80 countries and from various regions are participating in the festival being held under the patronage of UNESCO. The festival, which kicked off on August 26, will conclude with a grand closing ceremony today, August 30.

Many participants from various countries lauded Uzbekistan for hosting the event. Haroon Tahir, a tourist from Pakistan, said he is fond of art and loves music. He said he had heard about Sharq Taronalari Festival and was excited to have the opportunity to attend it this year as a spectator. He expressed pleasure to see the city of Samarkand beautifully decorated and to listen to the melodious songs around the historical city. 'Music is an ambassador of goodness and peace, so let there be more such events, as ‘Sharq Taronalari’ melodies sound louder', he said.

On the sidelines of music competition, experts at a conference noted that attention to music and art is becoming more important than ever, stressing that music, with its universal language, is a powerful force that can bridge cultural divides and unite people of different nationalities, religious views and linguistic features.

Osman Bakhit, a tourist from Sudan, said that it is no coincidence that UNESCO recognises the festival as a major international cultural forum. He added that through oriental melodies, Samarkand calls the world to goodness and solidarity. 'I can say this event will further enrich our understanding of Uzbekistan and about its people', he said.

To make dissemination of information easier, the festival’s press centre has made special arrangements for domestic and foreign journalists with as many as 80 high-speed computers and printers.

An international jury with no less than seven members formed by the organising committee to evaluate the performances. Among jury members are highly qualified foreign and local musicologists, renowned artists, composers, and representatives from organisations of international art festivals from various countries.

The national identity of the songs, the harmony and meaning of the lyrics, the level of the performer’s skills, cultural attire, and stage movement will be the main evaluation parameters. Performers will be awarded diplomas, statuettes, and cash prizes.

Winners of the competition will be awarded on Friday 30th August, cash prize of $10,000 (Grand Prix); 2 x $5,000 each (1st place); 2 x $3,500 each (2nd place); and 3 x $2,000 each (3rd place).

The ‘Grand Prix’ award will not be awarded if there is no worthy candidate in the opinion of the jury.