The XIII International Festival "Sharq Taronalari" ("Melodies of the East") concluded with a grand ceremony in Samarkand. A pleasant surprise during the festival's conclusion was the victory of the National Music Ensemble from Turkmenistan, which won first place.

The ensemble included outstanding artists: Sukhanberdi Orazberdiev, the group's soloist, People's Artist of Turkmenistan; Hakberdi Allamyradov, People's Artist of Turkmenistan, percussionist; dutar player Dovlet Danatarov. Also participating were representatives from the Turkmen National Conservatory named after M. Kulieva: Sapamyrat Amanmyradov (gyjak) and Allamyrat Mukhammetgulyev (gargy tuiduk).

The organizers awarded the winners with a diploma, a symbolic statuette and a cash prize.

The Grand Prix of the festival went to the "Semurg" ensemble from Azerbaijan. The second place was shared by two talented groups: "Atameken" from Kazakhstan and "Makom Band" from Uzbekistan. The third place was shared by representatives from Japan, Mongolia and Russia.

An international scientific and practical conference titled "The Musical Culture of Eastern Peoples: Principles of Creative Harmony in Globalization" was held as part of the festival. It was attended by musicologists, folklorists, cultural experts and leaders of international research institutes and creative centers.

Omar Igamov, Honored Artist of Turkmenistan and head of the Department of Folk Instruments at the Turkmen National Conservatory named after M. Kulieva, gave a report on Turkmen musical art.

The International Festival "Sharq Taronalari", held under the auspices of UNESCO since 1997, has become a true celebration of art, uniting nations and inspiring new creative achievements.