Official opening ceremony of Second International Music Festival of Gabala took place with initiative of Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, MP Mehriban Aliyeva, and visiting Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova attended the official opening ceremony.
Participants of the ceremony welcomed warmly the President, his spouse, and the Director-General of UNESCO.
The event was addressed by President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva.
Having greeted guests in Gabala - one of the beautiful corners of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva said: “This charming city once had been the capital of the Caucasus Albania – one of the most ancient civilizations of the world, and every period, every culture left its traces in here. Every person who comes here feels the breath of centuries. Although, currently there is no Caucasian Albania on the world map, Gabala acts as the capital of culture.” The First Lady of Azerbaijan said that only one purpose, – music, connects everyone in these days.
Mehriban Aliyeva thanked UNESCO Director-General for visiting Azerbaijan and participating in the festival. She underlined the importance of Azerbaijan-UNESCO cooperation, adding that this relationship is multifaceted. The First Lady also thanked President Ilham Aliyev for affording time to join the official opening despite the tough work schedule. Mehriban Aliyeva greeted the musicians and noted that the festival took place thanks to them.
During her speech at the ceremony, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova wished success to the festival. Irina Bokova expressed satisfaction with her visit to Azerbaijan and noted that Gabala was a grandiose stage for this international festival. The Director-General pointed out that the festival provides opportunity to become familiar with Azerbaijan`s rich musical heritage. She also thanked President Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva for upholding the UNESCO principles.
UNESCO Director-General spoke of the importance of the festival. She said the event reflects the spirit of Azerbaijan`s music and such events carry huge importance for juxtaposition of hearts and minds in future. “Azerbaijan is a place where different cultures converge, and the festival will represent these cultures on the highest level,” – Irina Bokova said, while praising the contributions of Mehriban Aliyeva to strengthening of intercultural dialogue.
Irina Bokova presented UNESCO`s “Mozart Gold” Medal to Mehriban Aliyeva. A video featuring Azerbaijan`s culture was demonstrated, followed by a concert program.
The London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed works of Azerbaijani and European composers. Dmitry Yablonsky, Yuri Bashmet, Emilio Ponzi, Chloe Hanslip and Farhad Badalbayli performed at the concert.
Upon the end of the gala night, grandiose fireworks illuminated the summer sky of Gabala with different colors.
