Opening of the "Winter's Tale" International Music Festival in Gabala
On February 7, 2025, Gabala hosted the grand opening of the first "Winter's Tale" International Music Festival organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Baku Music Academy, and Gilan. The ceremony, held at the Gabala Cultural Center, was attended by the representatives of the festival's organizing institutions, local music enthusiasts, and guests of the city. At the opening ceremony, Rector of the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, People's Artist, and Artistic Director of the festival, Farhad Badalbeyli, delivered a speech. He emphasized that the International Music Festival Winter's Tale, being held in Gabala for the first time, is a significant event for culture and wished the festival great success. Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Saadat Yusifova, noted in her speech that the "Winter's Tale" International Music Festival, as a continuation of the Gabala International Music Festival, which has been traditionally held in the city since 2009, has once again brought together art enthusiasts. She also congratulated the residents of Gabala on their city hosting such a grand event. The event continued with a performance by the Symphony Orchestra of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, conducted by Fuad Ibrahimov, as well as renowned musicians: People's Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan Eyvaz Yusifov, Vanessa Goikoetxea (Spain), and Sergio Vitale (Italy), who performed works of the world-famous composers.
