Baku: The first day of the 15th Gabala International Music Festival, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation with support from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, and Gilan, featured a captivating ballet gala concert under the open sky on the evening of 29 July.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the event was attended by officials, cultural figures, art lovers, and members of the public. The evening was marked by performances from renowned ballet stars, who presented classical ballet to an enthusiastic audience. Notable performers included Honored Artist of Azerbaijan and principal soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre Timur Askerov, as well as principal soloist Renata Shakirova. Soloists from the Bavarian State Ballet, the Bolshoi Theatre, the Vienna State Ballet, and the Dutch National Ballet also graced the stage.
The gala concert, lasting approximately one and a half hours, featured works by world-renowned composers. Attendees were treated to excerpts from celebrated ballets such as Ludwig Minkus's "Don Quixote," Sergei Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet," and Adolphe Adam's "Giselle," among other beloved masterpieces.
On 31 July, the festival will continue with a concert by the Chamber Orchestra of the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Centre, under the artistic direction of Honoured Artist Emil Afrasiyab and conducted by Mustafa Mehmandarov. The concert will include performances by People's Artist Teyyub Aslanov and other noted musicians, featuring works by Azerbaijani and world composers.
Gabala will also host a concert for mugham lovers that evening, featuring performances by Honoured Artists Bayimkhanim Valiyeva and Teyyar Bayramov, along with Mugham Competition laureates Miralam Miralamov and Kamila Nabiyeva.
The festival's fourth day, 1 August, will showcase performances by Austrian pianist Alexander Maria Wagner and Vietnamese classical music figure Luong To Nhu. The Chamber Music Evening will also include a program titled "Beloved Music Pieces from World Films," with the Scorrendo Orchestra performing music from iconic films such as "The Godfather" and "Schindler's List."
On 2 August, the Baku Music Academy's students will present a concert, and performances by the Moldovan Fluiera? Folk Song and Dance Ensemble and Moldova's Millenium ethno-pop group will also take place.
The festival will conclude on 3 August with a concert by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, led by Honoured Artist Fuad Ibrahimov. The performance will feature People's Artists Azer Zeynalov and Samir Jafarov, among others.
Since its inception in 2009, the Gabala International Music Festival has become a vital platform for international cultural dialogue, bringing together musicians from around the world. This festival, which now includes a winter segment called Winter Fairy Tale, serves as both a celebration of classical works and a bridge for intercultural exchange.