The grand opening ceremony of the 14th Gabala International Music Festival has taken place
The 14th Gabala International Music Festival was inaugurated with a grand opening ceremony on July 24. Organized at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibayli, and “Gilan,” the opening concert featured a program dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the birth of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibayli. Rector of the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibayli, People's Artist, and Artistic Director of the festival, Farhad Badalbayli, stated in his speech that the traditionally held Gabala International Music Festival is a significant cultural event for Azerbaijan and, since 2009 has become a vital platform for international cultural dialogue, uniting diverse musical talents and embodying spiritual values that transcend borders. During the evening filled with the masterpieces of our musical history, the audience enjoyed performances of works by renowned composers - Uzeyir Hajibayli, Said Rustamov, Vasif Adigozalov, Haji Khanmammadov, Ramiz Mirishli, Polad Bulbuloghlu, Emin Sabitoghlu, Suleyman Alasgarov, Fikrat Amirov, Farhad Badalbayli, and Muslum Magomayev, as well as traditional folk songs, performed by the Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments under the artistic direction of People's Artist Aghaverdi Pashayev and the Choir of the Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble named after Fikrat Amirov. The festival, which will run until July 29, will turn Gabala into a vibrant hub of music, gathering distinguished performers, emerging talents, and musical ensembles from around the world. In addition to Azerbaijani artists, internationally acclaimed musicians, conductors, and ensembles from Latin America, Lithuania, and Georgia will take the stage with colorful and captivating performances.
