Gabala 7th International Music Festival officially gets underway
Opening of another grandiose art holiday – the 7th Gabala International Music Festival – took place in Azerbaijan, with the organizational support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, July 25.
At a ceremony held before the Heydar Aliyev Congress Centre in Gabala town, first the congratulation letter by Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva to the participants of the Festival was read.The letter states:
“Dear Friends!
The Gabala International Music Festival opens again its doors before its participants and guests. Our festival takes place in one of the most beautiful places of Azerbaijan. Today, remnants of fortification walls and temples remind us that back in old times this town was the capital of a legendary state – the Caucasian Albania. Azerbaijan, where, since the time of the Caucasian Albania, traditions of tolerance have been preserved, representatives of different nations and religions lived in a peaceful environment for centuries, propagation and development of dialogue between cultures and civilizations made contribution, has recent years been known as a place hosting international music and art festivals, conferences and exhibitions, and sports competitions. It is a rejoicing fact that the first European Games held in June was hosted by Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan could manage to present, at the opening ceremony of the European Games, its history, culture, music and contemporariness to the world. Introducing Azerbaijan’s music to the whole world by sounding musical pieces of Azerbaijan’s eminent composers Uzeir Hajibeyli, Gara Garayev and Fikret Amirov at the opening ceremony, once more emphasized its might.
By holding the Gabala music festival in 2009, the foundation of a new tradition was laid in the history of national music culture. Serving to broadening of cultural relations, conveying our rich music culture to the world society, strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between nations, this festival enjoys more and more influence year-by-year, becoming a nice tradition. Gabala has become a well-known and beloved meeting place for all musicians, spectators and art-lovers. This festival is a significant event in the life of Azerbaijan and the whole South Caucasus.
This friendship and music holiday, which brings together numerous musicians from around the world, contributes to strengthening of dialogue between cultures, creating favourable conditions to musicians from different countries for intercourse and cooperation, along with preserving the rich traditions of our cultural heritage. I am sure this festival would turn into another holiday bestowing upon us nice feeling of unity in the music world, which knows no border and competition. I wish every success to all participants and guests, and pleasant intercourse in the charming environment of the festival.”.
Then, addressing the ceremony, minister of culture and tourism Abulfas Garayev, artistic director of the Festival, rector of the Uzeir Hajibeyli Baku Music Academy, People’s Artist Farhad Badalbeyli welcomed all guests, talented performers and musicians coming from around the world to participate in this music holiday. In the speeches, it was mentioned that the international music festival held in Gabala has become a nice tradition. Following the programme of the Festival, works by eminent composers of Azerbaijan and of the world are performed on the scene in Gabala. Along with young performers, world-renowned musicians too perform on this scene. Here are performed our classical and chamber music, as well as mughams.
After the speeches, a grandiose concert by the Italian Symphonic Orchestra took place. Overture from Koroghlu Opera by Uzeir Hajibeyli, and pieces from the works by M.Magomayev, G.Rossini, Kamilis Sen Sansas, G.Bizet, P.Mascagni and other well-known European composers were performed at the concert.
