A nation is known, recognized and distinguished among the world nations by certain characteristic features. The highest and the greatest of these features is culture.
Heydar Aliyev
International Music Festival in Gabala closed
International Music Festival organized in Gabala by Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Azerbaijan Music Workers Union due to support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation was closed August 22. The 10-day Festival featured international contest of young pianists, which involved 22 pianists from 15 countries, classical mugham soirees, mugham concert.
MP Fattah Heydarov, Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mikhael Lavon-Lotem and Art Director of the Festival, People’s Artist of USSR Farhad Badalbayli addressed the closing ceremony.
Valuing the event as the festivity of friendship, peace and happiness F.Heydarov expressed gratitude to President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, MP Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, who initiated realization of the Festival in Gabala. He also expressed thanks to participants of the Festival representing foreign countries and Azerbaijan.
Assessing the Festival as a miraculous project the MP expressed confidence the event will contribute to consolidation of friendship and cooperation among participant countries. According to him, the Festival demonstrated Azerbaijan’s nature, hospitality, music at the same time. This grandiose event was realized thanks to care and attention of President Ilham Aliyev, the worthy continuer of national leader Heydar Aliyev’s political course, to culture and art.
Israel’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mikhael Lavon-Lotem noted he is in Azerbaijan for 2 weeks only and today has come to Gabala. He expressed gratitude to Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the organizer of the event. Emphasizing the Festival is being held in a wonderful place the Ambassador evaluated it as a worthy contribution to development of cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Israel. ‘I promise I will be striving for continuation of such events’, the diplomat said.
The Ambassador informed a group of medical specialists has been invited from Israel due to support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation. They will treat hearing impaired persons. Besides, a 16-year-old youth, who lives in this region and is deprived of hearing, had occasion to listen to the Festival on the initiative of Heydar Aliyev Foundation and by efforts of Israeli professionals.
Art Director of the Festival Farhad Badalbayli expressed gratitude to First Lady of Azerbaijan for the amazing music festival. For these 10 days we felt care and attention of President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva. I thank all those who had trouble in realization of this successful event. I express gratitude to world-famous musicians having adorned the Festival with their participation.
They tirelessly gave master classes for young pianists. Performance by famous Israeli symphonic band Ranaana will be remembered for long. During 10 days the band professionally performed the most difficult programs.
The event was closed with an interesting final concert conducted by famous American conductor Dmitri Yablonsky and fireworks.