The solemn opening ceremony of the 3rd Uzeyir Hajybeyli International Music Festival organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was held
The solemn opening ceremony of the 3rd Uzeyir Hajybeyli International Music Festival organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was held at the Muslum Magomayev Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, September 18.
The Festival is dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the state independence of Azerbaijan. Making a keynote speech at the Festival, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev said Uzeyir Hajybeyli is a divine gift to the Azerbaijani people. The Minister underlined that his creative heritage is valuable wealth not only for his people, but also for the mankind. “As time goes by, Uzeyir’s works are much more loved by the peoples of the world, his works know no bounds. These works are repeatedly played on the most influential stages worldwide, filmed and sung by famous singers. Works by U.Hajybeyli are as universal as they are national.” the Minister noted.
Mr Garayev said a special attention was paid during the ruling of great leader Heydar Aliyev to the study, staging and filming of works by Uzeyir Hajybeyli. The tradition of marking the great composer’s birthday as a holiday was founded by the national leader. By Decree Heydar Aliyev signed in 1995 on the eve of the 110th birthday of the composer, September 18 is celebrated as National Music Day.
The Minister talked of international cultural events Baku has been hosting in the past years thanks to President Ilham Aliyev’s care to culture and art.
He also mentioned great contributions of Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, the President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, MP, to the promotion, study and development of culture.
The program of this year’s festival is very rich. Famous performers and bands from Azerbaijan, Russia, UK, US, Austria, the Republic of Korea, Hungary, Germany and other countries are attending the Festival.
Buta Chamber Choir under the leadership of Elnara Karimova performed works by Uzeyir Hajybeyli, other local and foreign composers. The Choir was established on the initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in November 2010. The main aim of the Choir is to represent Azerbaijan by performing the national choral music and various examples of the world music in the national and international festivals and events.
People’s Artist Alim Gasymov and Honored Artist Fargana Gasymova performed pieces from Leyli and Majnun by Uzeyir Hayibeyli arranged by British composer Jonathan Rathbone.
The Festival will last until September 30.