BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 4. Initiated and organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and co-supported by the Ministry of Culture, with the support of the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Baku Academy of Music, and “Gilan”, the 15th International Music Festival concluded with a grand closing concert in Gabala.
Alongside Azerbaijan, musicians and dancers from Germany, Russia, Austria, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam participated in the festival.
During the festival, in line with the project's goal, the city of Gabala served as an vital platform for intercultural dialogue, bringing together prominent figures from diverse countries and cultures.
The final concert and closing ceremony featured the musical program by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, led by Honoured Artist Fuad Ibrahimov. People's Artists Azer Zeynalov (tenor) and Samir Jafarov (tenor), Honoured Artist Elnara Mammadova (soprano), as well as Lala Murshudlu (soprano), performed at the concert.
The event opened with Jahangir Jahangirov’s “Victory Overture”, followed by Koroghlu’s song from Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s opera “Koroghlu,” the romance “My Country” composed by Asaf Zeynalli to the lyrics of Jafar Jabbarli, and Balash’s song from Fikrat Amirov’s opera “Sevil.” The program also featured renowned masterpieces from the global opera repertoire.
The week-long concerts, residents and guests of Gabala enjoyed performances by artists from various countries. At times, the performers even danced together with the audience, heightening the festive atmosphere, while spectators bid them farewell with loud applause and bouquets of flowers.
Organized since 2009, The Gabala International Music Festival has become a key venue for international cultural dialogue, bringing together various figures of world music in one place. The musical platform serves not only as a celebration of classical works, but also an intercultural bridge that unites peoples, transcends borders, and provides unforgettable moments.
