The solemn opening ceremony of the VIII International Music Festival in Gabala.

The VIII Gabala International Music Festival will turn into another holiday which does not recognize borders and competition and grants a sense of unity in the world of music. The official opening ceremony of the VIII International Music Festival organized in Gabala by Heydar Aliyev Foundation was held on July 30. First, during the ceremony held at the luxurious stage set in the open air in front of Heydar Aliyev Congress Centre in Gabala, a congratulatory letter of Mehriban Aliyeva, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation which plays a special role in the development and promotion of musical culture of Azerbaijan, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO was read to the participants of Festival. The letter says: ‘Dear friends! Gabala International Music Festival opens its doors again to the participants and guests. Our festival is held in Gabala - one of the most beautiful places of Azerbaijan. Today, the ruins of the walls of castles and churches remind us that in ancient times this city was the capital of the legendary state - Caucasian Albania. Azerbaijan, which preserved traditions of tolerance since the time of Caucasian Albania, where the representatives of different nations and religions lived in piece for centuries, which constantly contributes to the development and promotion of intercultural and inter-civilizational dialogue, is known as a venue for international music and art festivals, conferences and exhibitions and sporting events in recent years. Organization of Music Festival in Gabala in 2009 laid the foundation of a new tradition in the history of the national musical culture. This festival, which serves to expand international cultural relations, hand down our rich musical culture to the world community and strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the population, has already become a fine tradition and increases its international influence from year to year. Gabala has already become a favourite meeting place for famous musicians, the audience and art lovers. The festival has become an important event in the cultural life of Azerbaijan and whole South Caucasus. This celebration of friendship and music, in which many musicians from around the world participate, along with the preservation of the rich traditions of our cultural heritage, creates a favourable environment for communication and collaboration of musicians representing different countries and contributes to the strengthening of intercultural dialogue. I am sure that this year's festival will be another holiday giving a wonderful feeling of unity in the world of music without recognizing border and rivalry. I wish all participants and visitors good luck and lots of fun in the beautiful atmosphere of the festival. Afterwards, there was a concert of the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra conducted by People's Artist Rauf Abdullayev. The works of Uzeyir Hajibayli, Niyazi, Fikrat Amirov, Gara Garayev, Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi and G.Rossini were performed in the concert attended by more than a thousand spectators. The performances of artists - soloist of the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, People's Artist Samir Jafarov and soloist of the Azerbaijan State Television and Radio Aytaj Shikhalizade - were met with applause. Later, Polad Bulbuloghlu, a special guest of the festival, composer and singer, People's Artist and Honored Art Worker, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia came on the scene. He stressed the importance of the Gabala International Music Festival and expressed his gratitude to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for the organization of such music festival. Polad Bulbuloghlu, who performed folk and composer songs, was accompanied by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra under the baton of young conductor Murtuza Bulbul. As noted in the letter of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, Gabala International Music Festival has already become a fine tradition and has won deep sympathy of foreign and local musicians with its grandeur. For several years, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva supported the holding of this music festival in the charming corner of the republic - Gabala. This international music festival is an indication of the attention given to multicultural values in the country. The power of music is so almighty and limitless that it allows you to experience spiritual intimacy with the performance by famous soloists and orchestras who came to the festival from all over the world. Long-awaited day for music lovers has come, and Gabala International Music Festival opened its doors to music fans once again. The festival, which has been held since 2009 by the initiative of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, draws attention by the audience increasing from year to year and harmonious music quality. This year’s program of Gabala International Music Festival, which is among the activities within the “Year of Multiculturalism” declared in the country, is very rich like every year. In accordance with the program of the festival, the works by great Azerbaijani and world composers sound on the Gabala stage. Along with young musicians, the world-famous musicians appear on the scene. Classical and chamber music, mughams sound here. In a few days, International Piano Competition will be held in Gabala as well. The VIII International Music Festival, which will last until August 5, is participated by prominent musicians, art ensembles, soloists and conductors from Azerbaijan, Austria, Bulgaria, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, the USA, Italy, France, Spain, Israel, Lithuania and Cuba.