The Gabala Music Festival was founded in 2009 by Dmitry Yablonsky, a Russian classical cellist and conductor, and Farhad Badalbeyli, an Azerbaijani pianist and composer and the rector of the Hajibeyov Baku Academy of Music. Their initiative was supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The inaugural Gabala Music Festival brought together musicians from 16 countries, including Spain, Italy, Poland, Russia, Mexico, Israel, France, and the United States. It opened with the performance of the overture from the opera Koroghly (“The Blind Man’s Son”) by Uzeyir Hajibeyov. The opening ceremony featured the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (United Kingdom). The first festival was such a success that there was no doubt it should be an annual event.
The Gabala International Music Festival has been held every summer since its inception. It features a series of concerts that take place on outdoor stages throughout Gabala. Over the years, it has welcomed musicians from former Soviet republics, Europe, Israel, and the United States. Along with classical music concerts, its program includes jazz and mugham evenings.
Every year, the Gabala International Music Festival presents a varied line-up that includes prominent musicians from around the world, as well as philharmonic and symphonic orchestras. Its program includes classical, chamber, jazz, vocal, and mugham music. The festival also hosts the annual contest for young pianists.
Photo: Gulustan
