Sharq
Taronalari
Traditional music from seventy countries — on a square that is six hundred years old. Samarkand, August 2027.
Exact dates to be confirmed. Countdown shown as an estimate.
Music older than borders
Sharq Taronalari — “Melodies of the East” — has been held in Samarkand since 1997 and is listed among UNESCO’s international cultural events. Every two years the city hosts performers of traditional and ethnic music from every continent: a competition programme, gala concerts, an academic conference and street performances.
The festival should resonate not with one country, but with the whole world.
The brief set for the festival’s new conceptFrom 2026 the festival is organised by the National Operator of Cultural Projects under the Culture and Arts Development Foundation — with a renewed concept, new competition rules and an international jury.
International jury, transparent criteria, a grand prix and special awards across categories.
Evening programmes at Samarkand’s historic sites with live broadcast.
An academic programme on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Street stages, craft markets, food and guided routes across Samarkand.
Open call for artists
Performers, ensembles and artists from any country can apply online. Selection is made by an international selection committee.
- Complete the form Details of your ensemble, country and genre, plus links to performance videos.
- Expert selection The selection committee reviews submissions and draws up a shortlist.
- Invitation Selected participants receive an official invitation and visa support.
- Arrival and performance Accommodation, transfers and technical support are provided by the organiser.
Five days draft
The shape of the festival week. The final schedule is published once approved by the organising committee.
Parade of national delegations and ceremonial concert
Performances by invited headliners
Ensembles perform by region
Competition programme continues
Delegation programmes
Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage
Open sessions with festival participants
Special programme
Craft markets, food and street stages
Joint performances by delegations
Decision of the international jury
Awards and final concert
Stages of Samarkand
The festival uses several venues across the city — from the historic main square to contemporary concert spaces.
Registan Square
An ensemble of three madrasas from the 15th–17th centuries — the festival’s historic main stage. Opening and closing ceremonies.
Capacity · TBC
Eternal City complex
The contemporary cultural and tourism space at Silk Road Samarkand. Competition rounds and evening programmes.
Capacity · TBCGetting here
Practical information for audiences, participants and press.
Visa
Uzbekistan is visa-free for citizens of many countries. Others can apply for an e-visa.
- Check visa requirements
- Visa support for participants
- Press accreditation
Travel
Samarkand International Airport receives direct flights; from Tashkent, the Afrosiyob high-speed train.
- Direct flights to Samarkand
- Tashkent — Samarkand train
- Transfers for participants
Where to stay
Hotels across categories in the historic centre and at the Silk Road Samarkand complex.
- Partner hotels
- Special rates
- Participant accommodation
What to see
Guided routes to Samarkand’s World Heritage sites during the festival.
- Registan and Gur-e-Amir
- Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanym
- Ulugh Beg Observatory
Road to the festival
Official materials are published in all three languages simultaneously.
For artists
Open call for participants
The online application form for international artists will launch on the festival website.
Read →
Brand
Call announced for a new logo
A refreshed visual identity and award design for the festival are in development.
Read →
Official
New festival concept approved
A presidential resolution designated a new organiser and a programme of preparatory measures.
Read →
Official
International jury announced
The jury brings together musicologists, traditional performers and festival directors from across the world.
Read →Thirteen editions
The story since 1997: participants, laureates, photo and video from every edition.
For media
Accreditation, official materials and press office contacts.
Accreditation
Online application for journalists, photographers and film crews. Opens three months before the festival.
AccreditationPress kit
Logo, brand guidelines, official photography, factsheet and participant biographies.
DownloadOrganisers and partners
Be first to know the dates
Updates on the programme, tickets and the open call.