"Melodies of Navruz" — XII International Festival of Polyphonic Ensembles and Orchestras of National Instruments

The "Melodies of Navruz" festival has been held regularly since 1996 by the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan together with the "Sogdiana" State Chamber Orchestra of National Instruments, and has held international status since 2015, with participating ensembles from Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia. The festival is held annually for one age category at a time: in odd years, participants aged 3–15; in even years, participants aged 16–23. The competition runs in three stages: application submission, regional selection, and the final. The program includes an opening ceremony, masterclasses and presentations by invited specialists, a scientific-practical conference, competitive performances by ensembles and orchestras, concert programs, and a closing/awards ceremony. Winners are recognized with a Grand Prix , 1st–3rd place awards, and special nominations "Umid" (Hope) and "For Dedication to the Art." By way of scale: in 2010 the festival had 33 teams and 332 musicians; by 2024 this had grown to 45 teams and 857 participants.