OFFICIAL CHRONICLE OF THE PAST DAYS:

The II International Music Festival "Winter's Tale" was opened in Gabala

On February 6, the solemn opening ceremony of the Gabala "Winter's Tale" II International Music Festival, organized by the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and "Gilan".

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, well-known public figures, Gabala residents and guests.

Rector of the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, People's Artist, artistic director of the festival Farhad Badalbeyli said in his speech that the second Gabala "Winter's Tale" International Music Festival, organized for the second year, is a significant event for our culture.

Farhad Badalbeyli said: "Winter's Tale" Music Festival is being held for the second time in the city of Gabala, which is one of the charming corners of our country and stands out for its charming nature. The Gabala International Music Festival, which was founded in 2009 and has become a wonderful tradition, has again gathered all art lovers together. Today Gabala has opened all its magical doors for us. The weather is very nice, we were waiting for snow. Because this festival would not be possible without snow".

The artistic director of the festival expressed his deep gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and "Gilan" for the help and support.

After the official part, music lovers were presented with a concert program called "Viva Opera" with the participation of the Symphony Orchestra of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

Symphonic Orchestra is one of the main collectives of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. The most professional and talented musicians worked in this orchestra during all periods of the Opera and Ballet Theater. Famous conductors such as Maestro Niyazi, Afrasiyab Badalbeyli, Ashraf Hasanov, Ahad Israfilzadeh, Kemal and Rauf Abdullayev have stood behind the conductor's console of the orchestra. Currently, 124 musicians work in the Symphony Orchestra. They play stringed instruments such as violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, as well as piano, percussion and other instruments. In addition to European musical instruments, national musical instruments such as tar and kamancha are also used in the orchestra. Today, the symphony orchestra has many professional performers with honorary titles. Along with experienced musicians, young people are also given great importance in the orchestra. Every year, among the students and graduates of the Baku Music Academy named after U. Hajibeyli, the most promising and capable young people are admitted to the orchestra through a serious competition, where they learn the secrets of performance from master musicians.

Arias from the operas of X. Jimenez, F. Legar, L. Delib, D. Moduno, A. Lara, A. Bixio, C. Verdi, L. Denza, G. Rossini, as well as an Italian song, the Azerbaijani folk song "I have sprinkled water on the streets", M. Mirzayev's "Azerbaijani dance" were performed at the concert conducted by the veteran artist Ayyub Guliyev.

The performances of soloists Afaq Abbasova (soprano), Aytaj Shikhalizade (mezzo-soprano), Azer Zade (tenor) and Mahir Taghizade (baritone) were welcomed by music lovers.

The program of the Gabala "Winter's Tale" II International Music Festival is very rich. Within the framework of the festival, a chamber music evening "Baku-Naples: Music Bridge" will be held on February 7, symbolizing the friendship between Azerbaijan and Italy. Viewers will be able to listen to the works of Azerbaijani and Italian composers.