The 14th Gabala International Music Festival opened on 24 July with a grand ceremony honouring the 140th anniversary of Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli.

The event, nestled in the heart of Azerbaijan brings together global performers for a week of concerts across classical, folk, jazz, and opera genres.

Organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, with support from the Ministry of Culture, the Baku Music Academy, and “Gilan,” this year’s edition marks Hajibeyli’s 140th anniversary, to whom the festival is dedicated.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials including Farah Aliyeva, Anar Alakbarov, and Culture Minister Adil Karimli, alongside prominent public figures and music lovers from across the region.

Festival Artistic Director and People’s Artist Farhad Badalbeyli underlined the event’s growing role as a cultural bridge since its inception in 2009, highlighting its mission to foster international musical dialogue and spiritual unity.

The opening concert featured the Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments conducted by Aghaverdi Pashayev and the Choir of the Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble.

The evening began with Hajibeyli’s “Jangi” and included pieces by Said Rustamov, Vasif Adigozalov, Fikret Amirov, and others, blending classical compositions with folk traditions.

Running until 29 July, the festival offers a rich, inclusive programme featuring performers and ensembles from Azerbaijan, Latin America, Lithuania, and Georgia.

All performances are open to the public free of charge.

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