National musicians conquer “Melodies of East” festival

Azerbaijani musicians have brilliantly performed at the "Melodies of the East" International Music Festival held in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand city.

Musicians Sahib Pashazade and Kamran Karimov won Grand Prix at the fest, which is one of the most significant events not only in Uzbekistan, but also in Central Asia.

The first place was shared between the ensembles Goseong Folksong Preservation Foundation (South Korea) and Uzbekistan's Mohichehr.

The second place was shared by the ensemble "Muras" from Kyrgyzstan and the duo Sauges from Lithuania.

The jury awarded three third places to music collectives from Iran - Naghah, Indonesia - INO Ensamble and Turkey - Meshk Ensemble.

"Melodies of the East" International Music Festival is held since 1997 on the initiative of the first president of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and under the auspices of UNESCO.

This year more than 240 musicians and artists from 59 countries took part in the festival. A huge open-air stage with fantastic lighting and acoustics, erected in the historical Registan Square is a venue of the event.

Notably, Azerbaijani singer Simara Imanova won the “Grand Prix” award in 1997 at the first festival. In 2001, mugham master Alim Gasimov took the first place.