Samarkand has hosted a grand opening ceremony of the 12th Sharq Taronalari (Melodies of the East) International Music Festival-2019. President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a welcoming speech on Registan Square (noted for its medieval architectural ensemble of three madrasas) and wished festival participants good luck and spectacular success. Then, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay addressed the ceremony attendees as the Sharq Taronalari Festival is held under the aegis of this international organization. The ceremony continued with performances by performing groups from Uzbekistan and neighboring countries. Students of the Tashkent National Higher School of Dance and Choreography, dance and vocal ensembles, such as Tumor, Novbakhor and Navruz, students of specialized performing arts schools from the cities of Navoiy, Fergana, and Namangan delighted the audience. People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Nadezhda Kadysheva sang two songs at the event on Registan Square. The festival participants will perform for 3 days, starting on August 27. Turkmenistan is represented by Archabil Folk Ensemble at the festival in Uzbekistan. On the festival’s first day the band will perform original compositions and four Turkmen folk songs. What is more, Honored Artist of Turkmenistan, conductor, composer and teacher at the Turkmen National Conservatory Omar Igamov will be one of the judges at the 12th Sharq Taronalari International Music Festival-2019. The awards ceremony will be held on August 30, where the winners will be presented with their prizes. An international research-and-practice conference entitled ‘Prospects for the Development of Traditional Music of the Peoples of the East’ will run concurrently with the festival.