Inauguration of IX Gabala International Music Festival took place

Inauguration of IX International Music Festival held in Gabala with the organizational support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and with the support of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and “Gilan Holding” took place on July 30. In the ceremony which was organized on the open-air stage installed in front of the Heydar Aliyev Congress Center in Gabala city, the congratulation letter by the First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, who plays an exclusive role in the promotion and development of the musical culture in our country, was read out to the festival participants. The letter states: “Distinguished participants of the Festival! Dear friends! I sincerely welcome you – the participants of IX Gabala International Music Festival,  wish success to the festival, and send my best wishes to each of you. Contributing to the development of intercivilization dialogue for centuries, Azerbaijan has historically made an effort to strengthen the unity of nations. Each project increasing the effectiveness of cultural-spiritual integration is very important for us. The internationally important events held in our country in recent years once again proves that the fundamental principles of Azerbaijan are peace and humanity, and it brings together the representatives of all nations regardless of their language, religion and ethnicity. It is gratifying that, gaining more and more influence year by year, Gabala International Music Festival is also recognized as an important event which significantly contributes to the intercivilization dialogue. This music and friendship festival attended by many musicians from around the world, creates favorable conditions for communication and cooperation of the musicians representing different countries along with popularizing Azerbaijan as a successful model of tolerance and multiculturalism over the world and gives its contribution to the strengthening of intercivilization dialogue. I am sure that the festival of this year in which an interesting and varied musical program are going to be presented, will remain as a meaningful memory in the mind of our guests and in the history of Azerbaijani musical culture. I wish sound health to everyone who participates in this festival and endless achievements to all creative people.”
Afterwards the concert of Symphony Orchestra of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre started. At the concert the opera “Leyli and Majnun” by genius composer Uzeyir Hajibayli was performed. The orchestra was accompanied by the professor of the Baku Music Academy, Honored Artist, People's Artist, conductor Javanshir Jafarov. The work represented by chorus was staged with the arrangement of Honored Artist, stage director Hafiz Guliyev. The soloists of the orchestra included famous khanandas such as Gulyaz Mammadova, Elnur Zeynalov, Arzu Aliyeva, Afag Aghayeva, Mutallim Damirov, Tayyar Bayramov, Nazar Baylarov, Taleh Yahyayev (baritone) and Jahangir Gurbanov (baritone). Passing through the years and still maintaining its relevancy, the opera “Leyli and Majnun” has received applause of spectators on that day too. It has already been two days since the Gabala International Music Festival long-awaited by music lovers, opened its gates to the art lovers.
The festival which has been being held with the organizational support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation since 2009, draws attention by yearly growing audience and harmonious musical quality. The program of Gabala International Music Festival for this year is as rich as every year. In accordance with the program of the festival, works of great composers of Azerbaijan and the world are performed on the stage of Gabala. Along with the young performers, the world-known musicians also take the stage.
Within the festival, classical and chamber music, as well as our mughams are performed. Well-known conductors, prominent musicians, performance ensembles, soloists from Russia, Israel, USA, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia such as Oxana Yablonskaya, Dmitry Yablonsky, Janna Gandelman, Michael Slatkin, Mojca Zlobko Vajgl, Massimo Mercelli, Stefen Deitz, Anna Serova, Roberto Molinelli, Nomeda Kazlaus and others will perform at the Gabala International Music Festival which will last till August 3. On the festival days the concerts of Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra named after Uzeyir Hajibayli, Symphony Orchestra of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, “Baku Chamber Orchestra” of Baku Music Academy named after U.Hajibayli, Student Symphonic Orchestra of Baku Music Academy named after U.Hajibayli, “FeMusa” Chamber orchestra, “Clartet” Clarinet Quartet, “Furioso” Quartet will be held.