In Gabala, the opening of the II International Music Festival "Winter Fairy Tale" took place

On February 6, the grand opening ceremony of the II Gabala International Music Festival "Winter Fairy Tale" was held, organized by the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Baku Music Academy with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture, and Gilan company.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to AZERTAJ, the opening ceremony was attended by Leyla Aliyeva, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli and other officials, prominent public figures, residents of Gabala, and guests.

Speaking at the event, the Rector of the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Baku Music Academy, People's Artist of Azerbaijan, and Artistic Director of the festival Farhad Badalbeyli noted that the II Gabala International Music Festival "Winter Fairy Tale," held for the second consecutive year, is a landmark event for our culture.

"The 'Winter Fairy Tale' music festival is being held for the second time in one of the most picturesque corners of our country - the city of Gabala, which is distinguished by its enchanting nature. The Gabala International Music Festival, founded back in 2009 and having become a wonderful tradition, has once again brought together all art lovers. Today, Gabala has seemingly opened its magical doors for us. The weather is wonderful, we were waiting for snow. Because without snow, this festival simply could not have taken place," he said.

The Artistic Director of the festival expressed deep gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture, and Gilan company for their assistance and support.

After the official part, music lovers were presented with the Viva Opera concert program featuring the Symphony Orchestra of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.

The Symphony Orchestra is one of the main ensembles of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. Throughout the entire period of the Opera and Ballet Theatre's activities, the most professional and talented musicians have worked in the orchestra. In different years, such renowned conductors as Maestro Niyazi, Afrasiyab Badalbeyli, Ashraf Hasanov, Ahad Israfilzade, Kamal and Rauf Abdullayev stood at the orchestra's conductor's podium. Currently, 124 musicians work in the Symphony Orchestra. They perform works on string instruments - violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, as well as piano, percussion, and other instruments. Along with European musical instruments, national ones - tar and kamancha - are also used in the orchestra. Today, a large number of professional performers holding honorary titles work in the symphony orchestra. Along with experienced musicians, great importance is placed on youth in the orchestra. Every year, the most promising and talented young musicians are admitted to the orchestra from among students of the U. Hajibeyli Baku Music Academy and Academy graduates through a rigorous competitive selection process, where they learn the secrets of orchestral mastery from recognized masters.

At the concert conducted by Honored Artist Eyyub Guliyev, arias from operas by J. Jimenez, F. Lehár, L. Delibes, D. Modugno, A. Lara, A. Bixio, G. Verdi, L. Denza, and G. Rossini were performed, as well as an Italian song, the Azerbaijani folk song "Küçələrə su səpmişəm" and "Azerbaijani Dance" by M. Mirzoyev.

The performances of the soloists - Afag Abbasova (soprano), Aytaj Shikhalizada (mezzo-soprano), Azer Zade (tenor), and Mahir Tagizade (baritone) were met with ovations from music lovers.

The program of the II Gabala International Music Festival "Winter Fairy Tale" is particularly rich. As part of the festival, on February 7, the chamber music evening "Baku-Naples: Musical Bridge" will be held, symbolizing the friendship between Azerbaijan and Italy. The audience will be able to hear works by Azerbaijani and Italian composers.

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