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 Gabala International Music Festival commenced on July 29.

The opening concert featured the Student Symphony Orchestra of the Baku Academy of Music under the baton of People's Artist Ramiz-Malik Aslanov.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Rector of the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Baku Academy of Music, People's Artist Farhad Badalbeyli, said that the festival has now been successfully held for 15 years, noting that during this period, renowned soloists, symphony orchestras, choirs, conductors, and other performers from various countries have performed on the Gabala stage.

Badalbeyli underlined that the festival presents a rich and diverse concert program covering various musical genres every year. He noted that over the years, the Gabala International Music Festival has evolved into a prestigious international cultural event, bringing together leading musicians from around the world.

The musical evening featured performances by Honored Artist Elvin Hoca Ganiyev (violin), Aysun Mahmudzada (soprano), Shamistan Aliyev (clarinet), and Vagif Gurbanov (cello), who performed pieces by Azerbaijani and European composers.

During the festival, which will run until August 3, the city of Gabala will serve as a vital platform for intercultural dialogue, bringing together prominent figures from diverse countries and cultures.

Alongside Azerbaijan, musicians and dancers from Germany, Russia, Austria, Kazakhstan, Moldova, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam will participate in this musical celebration.