The full-house concert, held at Tashkent’s Palace of Music, was an opportunity for hundreds to listen to renditions of classics by Schubert, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven and Prokofiev. Organized by the Fund Forum, the National Symphonic Orchestra, Uspensky Music School and the Ministry of Public Education of Uzbekistan, the concert concluded a series of events launched by the Fund Forum and Uspensky Music School in honor of the 20th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence.

Two talented pianists Irena Gulzarova and Irina Georgiyeva, laureates of international piano contests, demonstrated masterful techniques in playing piano pieces. Conducted by Professor V. Neimer, the Symphonic Orchestra and the two musicians’ play drew uproarious applause from the audience.

Uzbekistan’s Gulzarova and Bulgaria’s Georgiyeva are alumni of Basel Music Academy of different batches who studied under prominent Austrian pianist Rudolf Buchbinder. Both graduated from the Academy with honors.

Ismail Jalilov, art director of the National Symphonic Orchestra:

“We are filled with pride that proud that our alumna Irene Gulzarova has achieved these heights. She has grown up in our orchestra and benefitted from the experience of our teaching staff. We are also happy to play with Irina Georgiyeva, who is notable for her unique musical instinct. We appreciate the Fund Forum’s cooperation in organizing such cultural events.”

Nataliya Khan, a graduate of Uspensky Music School:

“Gulzarova was my classmate. We haven’t seen each other for a long time, and I was thrilled to watch her play today at the concert. She always showed a great potential as a student. She is a very kind, bright and talented person. She gives concerts every year and draws hundreds of classic music fans. Today’s concert is a good chance both for the pianists and the orchestra to exchange experience and get encouragement. An orchestra plays when a professional provides everything: intonation, sound, style. In this sense, Gulzarova is a successful musician.”