The 9th International Music Festival has officially opened in Gabala yesterday. The festival was organized by Heydar Aliyev Foundation and supported by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. as well as Gilan Holding.
A message of greetings of First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva to the festival participants was read out at the ceremony, which was held at an open-air stage outside the Heydar Aliyev Congress Center in Gabala.
"Azerbaijan, which has contributed to the development of inter-civilization dialogue for centuries, historically sought to strengthen the unity between peoples," the message says.
"Every project that enhances the effectiveness of cultural and spiritual integration is very valuable for us," Mehriban Aliyeva stressed. "The international events held in our country in recent years, confirming once again that Azerbaijan's fundamental principles are peace and humanism, gather together all peoples, regardless of language, religion or ethnicity," the first vice-president of Azerbaijan said in her message of greetings.
The opening ceremony then featured performance of the Symphony Orchestra of Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.
Famous musicians from Russia, U.S., Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia will perform at the festival, which will close on August 3.
In accordance with the program, a concert was held on July 29 in the chamber hall of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation with the participation of Azerbaijan’s famous young pianists and musicians. Students of Baku Music Academy Zuleykha Usubova (piano), Sheyda Alesgerova (Flute), Jamila Asgerzade (violin), Aytan Ibrahimova (Violin), Narmin Rzayeva (piano), Mahir Tagizade (baritone), Ilaha Sadigova (piano) performed at the concert.
Young members of 'Clarte' clarinet quartet, which was created with the initiative of People’s artist Shukur Samadov in 2016, Anar Mammadov, Mammad Rejebli, Emil Bagirov, Sharif Bagirov also performed.
The Gabala Music Festival is a festival of classical music as well as jazz and mugham. Since 2009 it has been held every summer at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan. Musical performances are held under the open sky and in chamber concert halls of the city. The festival has involved famous orchestras and performers from various countries.
The festival, which will last till August 3, will be attended by eminent musicians, artistic groups, soloists and conductors from Russia, Israel, US, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia.
