Tyva Ensemble is Gran-Prix Winnet at Ustuu-Huree

Yesterday in Chadaana the fourth festival of live music finished with the official closing ceremony during which the awards were distributed.The jury had to choose the best out of 200 musicians who participating in Ustuu Khuree 2002. The Grand-Prize of the festival went to the young members of the Tyva Ensemble who truly follow in the grand tradition of their predecessors. The Prize was provided by the Battle Brotherhood (Afgan and Chechen veterans' foundation) and was presented to the winners by Sholban and Yuri Kara-ool. Alexandr Sarzhat-ool was recognized as Best Composer of the festival. The Music Promotion prize went to the ensemble Oina. Among the pop-musicians were last year's winner Onzagai (Ak-Dovurak) who held onto first place. Merilyn Guitton (France) and Gennady Chamzyryn (Tuva) were awarded with the Vanguard music award. Expected were Villa Khaslavskaya and Ralph Leighton, who could not attend this year and sent their greetings.