Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- From 30 April to 18 May, Uzbekistan will host the International Jazz Festival on the occasion of the celebration of 30 April - International Jazz Day, officially proclaimed throughout the world by UNESCO in 2011. 

Within the framework of the festival, about 20 concerts of jazz performers from abroad and Uzbekistan will take place at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, which will become the main venue and celebrate its 85th anniversary.

The festival is organized under the auspices of the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan, the Fund for the Development of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan and the Khokimiyat of Tashkent with the support and participation of the embassies of France, Germany, Hungary, India, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland and the United States. 

The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage Nusratilla Zikrillaev, US Ambassador to Uzbekistan Daniel Rosenblum, Head of UNICEF Representative Office Munir Mammadzade.

“The head of our state pays great attention to the development of tourism, culture and art in our country. Today, various thematic festivals and festive celebrations are organized throughout the republic, the holding of which has already become a tradition. Jazz is not only music, but also the art of expressing a person’s individuality. Jazz is being created before our eyes and we all find ourselves in the magical world of a musician. Art is a great force that further strengthens the attitude towards peace and friendship between people,” said Nusratilla Zikrillaev, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.

Uzbekistan has been participating in the global jazz celebration since 2015. Since then, year after year, the festival has been expanding and increasing the interest of the participants.

Concerts will also be held in the open air in Ichan-Kala, Khiva, in the Regional Music and Drama Theater named after. Ogakhi in Urgench, the Music and Drama Theater in Bukhara and the Ilkhom Theater. In addition, master classes and jam sessions will be organized at the Musical College. Uspensky, the Circus College in Tashkent, the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, the Bonum Faktum Gallery and the Makom Bar in Tashkent, as well as the College of Music in Bukhara

International Jazz Day is an annual event that supports "the growing international recognition of jazz as a force for peace, unity, dialogue and greater human contact." And yet, this day is one of the most important musical events in the world, including in Uzbekistan.

As famous jazz artist Bill Evans said: "Jazz is not what, it’s like."