International music festival in honor of Mstislav Rostropovich has been held since 2007 at the initiative of Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The 1st Mstislav Rostropovich International Music Festival held from 11 to 18 December 2007 featured performance by outstanding pianists Murad Adygozalzadeh, Aleksandra Korsantiya (USA), Mikhail Lidski (Russia), famous Russian violinist, conductor Maxim Vengerov, violinist Sergey Krylov, cellist Natalya Guttmann, “Moscow Soloists” chamber band led by Yuri Bashmet, one of the world’s most popular musicians, at the Muslum Magomayev Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall.
The Festival was organized in 2008-2012 too. On May 2014, the 7th International Mstislav Rostropovich Festival took place.
Within the festivals, which brought together laureates of international contests, eminent violinists, conductors, vocalists and pianists from Azerbaijan, USA, France, Italy and Russia, world-known musicians gave master classes, different contests were held.