On July 24, the grand opening ceremony of the 14th Gabala International Music Festival took place, APA reports.
Organized at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Baku Music Academy, and Gilan Holding, the festival coincides with the 140th anniversary of the birth of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli. This year’s edition of the festival is also dedicated to the composer’s jubilee with a special program in his honor.
According to APA, the opening ceremony was attended by Head of the Department for Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism and Religious Issues of the Presidential Administration Farah Aliyeva, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, other officials, prominent public figures, residents of Gabala, and guests. Rector of the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, People's Artist and Artistic Director of the Festival, Farhad Badalbeyli, delivered a speech in which he emphasized the importance of the Gabala International Music Festival, held traditionally in Azerbaijan, as a significant event in the country’s cultural life. It was noted that since its inception in 2009, the Gabala International Music Festival has, for fourteen years, brought together diverse representatives of world music in one venue, becoming a key platform for international cultural dialogue. This celebration of the arts is not only a tribute to classical music but also a symbol of the spiritual values that unite nations and transcend borders.
The Artistic Director of the festival noted that this year marks the 140th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s birth. In this context, the 14th Gabala International Music Festival has undertaken the honorable mission of being held within the framework of this jubilee celebration.
The ceremony then continued with music. The audience enjoyed a vibrant and engaging opening program. The evening was particularly memorable for a special concert dedicated to Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s 140th anniversary.
The festival was opened with Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s composition "Cangi," performed by the Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments under the artistic direction of People's Artist and Honored Art Worker Agaverdi Pashayev, together with the Choir Group of the Fikrat Amirov Honored Collective Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble.
During the evening filled with musical gems from Azerbaijani music history, selected works by prominent composers were performed. The audience had the pleasure of listening to pieces by Said Rustamov, Vasif Adigozalov, Haji Khanmammadov, Ramiz Mirishli, Polad Bulbuloglu, Emin Sabitoglu, Suleyman Alasgarov, Fikrat Amirov, Farhad Badalbeyli, Muslim Magomayev, and others, along with traditional folk songs.
The festival will run until July 29. During these days, Gabala will turn into a musical stage bringing together renowned performers, young talents, and music ensembles from various countries. In addition to Azerbaijani musicians, world-renowned artists, conductors, and musical groups from Latin America, Lithuania, and Georgia will showcase their talents through diverse performances. Within the framework of the festival, rich programs will be presented — ranging from classical music to mugham, jazz to opera. Admission to the concert programs during the festival is free of charge.
