Baku: The Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF), running from 28 October to 8 November 2026, is set to host a series of performances by world-renowned stars across music, ballet, and theatre at Azerbaijan's capital. The festival promises a diverse lineup featuring both international and local talents. According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Heydar Aliyev Center will be the venue for an exclusive concert by acclaimed violinist David Garrett on 4 November. Garrett, known for his classical crossover style, is a Juilliard School graduate who honed his skills under masters like Zakhar Bron and Ida Haendel. His Baku performance, Millennium Symphony, will showcase symphonic arrangements of popular hits from the past 25 years, combining technical prowess with rock-stage energy. The Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre will also grace the Heydar Aliyev Center on 3 and 4 November with Alfred and Violetta. This production is a renewed version of a classic love story set in 1990s Tbilisi, written by the late Rezo Gabriadze and completed by his son Leo Gabriadze. The play, which premiered in Venice in 2022, has been praised for its unique blend of humor and deep emotional resonance. On 6 and 7 November, the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre will host the English National Ballet's debut in Baku. The company will present Masters in Motion: Forsythe / Pite, featuring Body and Soul (Part 1) by Crystal Pite and Playlist (EP) by William Forsythe. These performances explore themes of connection and joy through a mix of classical ballet and modern music. Additionally, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo will perform on 7 November at the Heydar Aliyev Palace, presenting LAC, a contemporary reinterpretation of Swan Lake by choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot. This performance is part of a special jubilee season marking 150 years since Tchaikovsky's original work. The BIAF, supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, will feature more than 20 events, showcasing talents from countries i ncluding the United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, Monaco, Russia, the United States, and France.