From November 22 to 24, 2024, the III International Festival-Competition “Open Asia” took place in Tashkent at the State Conservatory of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The event was organized by the Fiestalonia Milenio committee with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
This year, the festival brought together more than 300 participants performing in 200 acts, competing in four categories:
- Instrumental Genre
- Choreography
- Fine Arts
- Vocal Performance
Unique Exhibition and Drawing Competition
A highlight of this year’s “Open Asia” festival was a curated exhibition showcasing the works of young painters and sculptors. The exhibition featured 65 pieces, each reflecting the unique vision and talent of its creator.
In addition, a quick-draw competition on the theme of “Spanish Motifs” was open to all attendees. This creative challenge became a true celebration of art, with winners receiving special prizes to encourage their further artistic endeavors.
Jury — Experts of the Global Stage
The international jury underscored the high level of the competition. Each performance was evaluated by four professionals, with the scores and jurors’ names displayed on a large screen immediately after the performance, ensuring complete transparency.
The jury members observed participants online from different parts of the world, allowing the festival to engage experts of the highest caliber.
Choreography Jury:
- Yuliya Kruglyak — the first Slavic flamenco dancer in Spain, with over 30 years of stage experience, a successful choreographer, and an international instructor.
- Jose Maria Lopez Santamaria — a graduate of the Professional Higher Dance Conservatory in Barcelona, dancer at the Schwerin State Theater in Germany, head of the Dance Department at Les Arts, and artistic director of the Baix Montseny Dance Competition.
- Roberto Lori — dancer and choreographer, co-artistic director of a contemporary dance company in Italy, and creator of numerous renowned choreographic works performed worldwide.
- David Japaridze — chairman of the jury, president and founder of Fiestalonia Milenio, and director of the Fiestalonia International Center in London.
Vocal Jury:
- Noelia Mora — a professional singer with a versatile voice, adept in opera, pop music, musicals, ballads, and folk songs.
- Joan Carles Capdevila Torne — arranger, composer, producer, and teacher of musical theater, known for his work on the TV show “Operación Triunfo.”
- Maria Luz Martinez Farias — a talented soprano and Doctor of Arts, who has performed on prestigious stages worldwide and teaches at the University of Barcelona.
- David Japaridze — chairman of the jury, president of Fiestalonia Milenio.
Instrumental Jury:
- Joan Carles Capdevila Torne — arranger, composer, and instrumentalist, recognized for his contributions to symphonic and choral arrangements.
- Josep Soto — renowned guitarist, composer, and teacher who shares his expertise with aspiring musicians worldwide.
- Mario Mariani — an Italian avant-garde composer and pianist, who has performed on four continents and composed soundtracks for films featured at Cannes, Venice, New York, and Berlin Film Festivals.
- David Japaridze — chairman of the jury, president of Fiestalonia Milenio.
Festival’s Legacy
“Open Asia” has been held in Tashkent for the third time, establishing itself as a prestigious international cultural event. In 2022, the festival also took place at the State Conservatory of Tashkent, cementing the venue’s reputation as a cultural hub in the region.
Results and Transparency
Over three days, participants demonstrated the richness of their cultures and outstanding talent in dance, vocal, fine arts, and instrumental performances. The competition results, published below, reflect the transparency of the evaluation process, built on the expertise and fairness of the jury.
The “Open Asia” 2024 Festival once again served as a bridge between cultures, uniting participants and audiences from around the world. We extend our gratitude to all the participants, organizers, and jurors for creating this remarkable event, and we eagerly look forward to the next festival to discover new talents and share cultural masterpieces!
