A unique cultural event – the First International Maqom Art Forum starts tonight in Uzbekistan city of Shahrisabz.

The best connoisseurs and lovers of this amazing Oriental art will gather at it. 1800 participants (including 320 from abroad) will be accommodated in a specially built amphitheater on the Ak Sarai Palace in the center of the city where the great Amir Temur was born.

The forum will be attended by maqom singers from 29 countries. Performances will be assessed by jury in the following categories: “Best Maqom Ensemble”, “Best Solo-singer” and “Best Soloist”.

For the winners of the contest, the organizers prepared prizes: $ 15,000 for the Grand Prix, $ 10,000 for the first place, $ 7,000 for the 2nd place, $ 5,000 for the 3rd place.

The Ak Sarai Palace, which has changed its appearance, has turned into a real city of masters, where all 14 regions of Uzbekistan are represented. Live music is played on the square by folk musicians and singers, exhibitions and fairs of artisans are held, and Uzbek national cuisine is also represented.

We will recall that Tajikistan will be represented by 8 virtuosic musicians and maqom singers – People’s Artist of Tajikistan Ozodakhon Ashurova, Nasiba Omumbaeva, Jamshed Ergashev, Khurshed Ibrohimov, Kamoliddin Hamdamov, as well as Abduvali Abdurashidov, who will take part in the forum as a jury.