Organized by Alisher Navoi Theater, the Fund Forum, the Ministry of Culture and Sports Affairs and “Uzbekteatr” Creative Association, the Festival is an opportunity to witness some of the most prominent operatic pieces throughout musical history.

The evening, which brought together both the youth and seniors, was opened by Bakhtiyor Yakubov, the director of Alisher Navoi Theater:

“Many thanks to all those who have supported our initiative to set up this festival and special thanks go to the Fund Forum which has provided active support for our activities and has remained our partner for many years. I’m also thankful to the embassies of Russia, Italy, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria and Azerbaijan for their assistance as well as to the visiting soloists for their interest in our culture and performing for our audience. It not only us, artists, who should exchange professional experience but also the audience who cherish opera and ballet. It is exciting that opera professionals from all over the world will be playing in Tashkent.”

Verdi’s “La Traviata”, one of the greatest opera masterpieces, was staged today by Professor Firudin Safarov, a People’s Artist of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, who watched the actors from the auditorium. Like all the pieces set to be shown during the Festival, Tashkent’s “La Traviata” is a multinational effort: leading the orchestra is Italian conductor Eddy de Nadai; Violetta’s part is played by Italian soprano Domenica Briganti while Uzbekistan’s Ramiz Usmanov did Alfred’s part. This is in line with the festival’s goals. The masterful duet created by Uzbek and Italian musicians can serve as an example of intercultural relationships.

The remaining opera pieces will be staged at Turkistan Palace and will culminate in a gala concert on May 2.