Classical Music Fest in Tashkent

This autumn, Tashkent resounds brighter and fresher than ever – to the rhythm of global classical music. Last night, the capital city hosted the grand opening of the International Classical Music Fest in Tashkent, gifting guests an unforgettable beginning: on the main stage performed world-renowned pianist and pride of Uzbekistan, Behzod Abduraimov, whose brilliant concert became a true musical revelation. Running until October 3, 2025, the festival will bring to the city’s finest venues stars of the highest caliber – from Grammy Award winners to laureates of the world’s most prestigious competitions.

Over nearly two weeks, festival guests will be treated to masterpieces performed by international greats: pianist Behzod Abduraimov, the legendary Mikhail Pletnev, two-time Grammy winner Maxim Vengerov, violinists Sergei Krylov and Marc Bouchkov, pianists Stanislav Ioudenitch and Yekwon Sunwoo, cellist Alexander Chaushian, and many other masters whose names are already written into the history of classical music.

At the press conference held before the festival’s opening, it was emphasized that the events are organized with the support of the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan, the State Philharmonic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan, and the European Foundation for Support of Culture.

Chief conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan, Alibek Kabdurakhmanov, also noted that the festival is designed not only to raise the standard of performance mastery but also to contribute to the emergence of new stars of global renown. 

“I sincerely hope this will become an important step toward the popularization of classical music in our country. I am certain you will experience something incredible – we have never had such an event before,” he emphasised.

Concerts will take place at the city’s main venues: the Palace of International Forums “Uzbekistan”, the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre, the Turkiston Palace of Arts, and the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan Hall. 

Program of the vibrant evenings: 

September 22 – grand opening: National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan conducted by Alibek Kabdurakhmanov, soloist – Behzod Abduraimov.

September 23 – duo recital of Mikhail Pletnev and violinist Sergei Krylov.

September 24 – Behzod Abduraimov and Stanislav Ioudenitch, the winner of the Van Cliburn Competition.

September 27 – cellist Alexander Chaushian with the National Symphony Orchestra (conductor Gevorg Gharabekyan).

September 29 – piano evening with Yekwon Sunwoo (South Korea) and orchestra conducted by Sergey Smbatyan.

October 1 – chamber concert with Behzod Abduraimov and violinist Marc Bouchkov (France).

October 2 – highly anticipated performance by two-time Grammy Award winner Maxim Vengerov with the National Symphony Orchestra.

October 3 – final chord: the State Symphony Orchestra and Marc Bouchkov conducted by Kamoliddin Urinbyaev. 

The festival promises to be not only the major cultural event of the autumn, but also a significant step in affirming Tashkent’s status as a new international music capital – a place where classical music finds a fresh, modern context and resonates with the widest audiences.