Music Festivals

Gabala Music Festival traditionally takes place every year in summer in the city of Gabala since 2009. Musicians usually perform in the open air. The festival is organized with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Ministry of Culture and Tourism. So far, four such festivals took place and the world\'s most famous musicians participated in the event.

Within a festival along with classical music concerts, jazz and music evenings are organized.

Expansion of international cultural relations, introduction of our rich musical culture to the world community, mutual understanding between the peoples and strengthening of friendship and other features makes the importance of this festival great.

The World of Mugam International Music Festival for the first time was held in Baku on March 18-25, 2009 at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. On March 20 the official opening of the festival was held in the International Mugham Center. Within the festival as usually   international symposiums and a lot of competitions of mugham performers and many opera performances, as well as concerts are organized.

The main objective of the Mugham Festival is the introduction of Azerbaijani mugham in the modern world, occupation of the traditional music of our nation the deserved place in the heritage of world music.

Silk Road International Music Festival is organized by the Union of Composers of Azerbaijan and Sheki City Executive Committee. So far, the festival was arranged three times consecutively (2010, 2011 and 2012).

In the festivals, besides Azerbaijan the musicians and the music, folklore and theatre groups from many foreign countries (Poland, India, Ukraine, Korea, Norway, Turkey, Georgia, Iran and so on) performed, too.

The decision on holding of U.Hajibeyov International Music Festival was adopted in 2009. The festival organizers are the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

In addition to the Azerbaijani musicians, performers from other countries participate in the work of the festival, too. During the event, besides concerts, theatre performances based on works of Uzeyir Hajibeyov are also performed. In addition, scientific, conferences examining the legacy of the great composer are held at the festival. So far, four such festivals had been organized.

Mstislav Rostropovich Festival is held in Baku since 2007 and traditionally gathers the outstanding performers from different countries around it. The events are arranged by organizational efforts of the   Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mstislav Rostropovich Foundation and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Within framework of Rostropovich International Music Festival four events were held. Besides popular cultural figures of our country, representatives of Russia, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium and other countries take part in the in festivals.