ASHRAFI Mukhtar (A-54)

Soviet composer, conductor and teacher. Graduated from the Institute of music and choreography in Samarkand (1930), then studied at the Moscow Conservatory (1934-1937, class of composition under Vasilenko, and Schechter), later (in 1941-1943) at the Leningrad Conservatory (with Steinberg). From 1930 he took an active part in the construction of cultural life of Uzbekistan, was artistic Director and chief conductor of the Uzbek Opera and ballet theatre, from 1944 taught at the Tashkent Conservatory (in 1947-1962 – Director, since 1971 – Rector). Since 1948 he is a member of the Board of the USSR Union of composers. One of the founders and a leading figure in the Uzbek music of the XX century. Author of 4 operas, 4 ballets, 2 symphonies, vocal and symphonic works, chamber music. People's artist of the USSR, Stalin prize winner (1943, 1952). The Tashkent Conservatory bears the name of Mukhtar Ashrafi.