QABALA, MUSIC AND FESTIVAL

Tradition is a word that came to us from Latin. It means the handover of customs, views, tastes, norms of behaviour and so on. A good tradition for musicians and performers from various countries is their desire to come together in summer in one of Azerbaijan's beauty spots - Qabala. The almost primordial beauty of the natural landscape gives the area a unique charm that remains forever in the hearts of those who visit here even once. Historical monuments - the 18th century Imam Baba mausoleum and the Friday Mosque - testify to the architectural talent of the people and give a special flavour to everything that happens here. The well-equipped concert platform, with a hotel, is an example of modern architectural flamboyance. During the 1st International Music Festival of Musicians and Vocalists last August, this place was not short of people who love modern interpretations of classical music. The forum was initiated and organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, headed by its president Mehriban Aliyeva. This was not the only event of such magnitude and it did not go unnoticed by the international cultural community. International festivals for Rostropovich and Shostakovich, as well as a unique mugham festival, were also held. The uniqueness of this national property - Azerbaijan's music culture - has been recognized worldwide, but here, in the land of our ancestors, mugham sounds especially different. It is as if the land itself - the mountains, forests and fields - bestow spiritual power and emotional expression.

This year, the international festival is being held from 25 July to 5 August. It is attended by musicians and vocalists from five countries. There are many guests from other countries. The festival is gaining momentum and becoming popular, and not just in Azerbaijan. We can say with confidence that these 12 days will become a festival of the mutual professional enrichment which is necessary, both for great stars such as Yuriy Bashmet, pianist Boris Berezovskiy, and for those who have just started their artistic careers. Just as last year, master classes will be held for them this year.

The programme of oriental and western music at the Qabala festival is represented by the works of Azerbaijani and European composers: Qara Qarayev, Fikrat Amirov, Uzeyir Hacibayov, Petr Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Charles-Camille Saint-Sa?ns, Edward Grieg, Sergey Rachmaninov, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and others. These days became an act of spiritual unity - and not only for foreign guests and Qabala residents. Baku residents also arrived here with great pleasure. This kind of family holiday becomes a national festivity. Family events, as you know, are especially revered in the East. What family event can take place without friends? The goal of such forums is to expand the borders for contact between people of good will. As experience shows, such events more than justify themselves. First, music, like any other form of art, knows no borders or nationality. It can speak to people better than any diplomat, in a language that is understood by all hearts and unites them, bypassing the divisive conventions invented by mankind in the form of strictly outlined geographical and territorial borders. Second, the music culture of our country is becoming the property of the world. The best of the best professionals and participants subsequently include works by Azerbaijani composers in their programmes. This has a positive effect on the country's image in the eyes of the modern world. Third, world class masters share the secrets of their profession with young people at the outset their careers. It is hardly relevant to talk about the genetic predisposition of Azerbaijanis to music. For an Azerbaijani, singing is like breathing. Did singers live in Qabala in the past and did their lives and art become legend? I would not like to dismiss this idea as an assumption. But everyone knows that the land of Qabala has been glorified by Ismayil Qutqasenli, a poet and enlightener, the first Azerbaijani to be awarded the Order of Saint George and a major-general in the Russian imperial army, and Ismayil bay Musabayov, a writer and enlightener. Today's residents of Qabala also have something to be proud of. They are happy to talk about FC Qabala, the modern tourist centres and the completely new tradition of hosting an international music festival. It took root at once and has become an integral part of life, as if it has always been held here. They wait for these days impatiently and with pleasure all year. It is a great happiness to hear the world with your heart. After all, music is a great conductor that can make your everyday life more harmonious and elevated.

This long-awaited festival was opened on 25 July by the Uzeyir Hacibayov Azerbaijani State Symphonic Orchestra, led by conductors Faxraddin Karimov and Azad Aliyev, with works by Azerbaijani composers. On that evening, works by Grieg, Rachmaninov, Villa-Lobos and De Falla were also played. The festival programme included chamber, vocal and jazz music - which was supposed to be represented by the legendary American jazz vocalist Al Jarreau, a seven-time winner of the American Grammy music award. But unfortunately, the great jazzman could not participate in the festival for health reasons. On 27 July, Jarreau was replaced by a concert by well-known Cuban jazzmen.

The official opening of the Second International Music Festival was held on 30 July and attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva and UNESCO General Director Irina Bokova. On the same day, UNESCO General Director Irina Bokova presented First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva with the Medal of Mozart. In her remarks at the opening ceremony, Mehriban Aliyeva said that this wonderful town was the capital of ancient civilizations - the Caucasian Albania, and every epoch and every culture left a mark here.

"Everyone setting foot on this land can feel the breath of centuries. Although there is no Caucasian Albania on the world map, Qabala acts as the capital of culture," First Lady said. She stressed that music was bringing all people together on these days.

The President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation thanked the UNESCO general director for visiting Azerbaijan to attend the festival. Stressing the importance of cooperation between Azerbaijan and UNESCO, Mehriban Aliyeva said that these relations were multifaceted. First Lady also thanked President Ilham Aliyev for attending the festival despite his busy schedule and welcomed the musicians, adding that it was primarily thanks to them that the festival has taken place.

Speaking at the ceremony, Irina Bokova wished the festival success. After expressing her satisfaction with the visit to Azerbaijan, she said Qabala was a magnificent stage for such a festival. "This festival is the opportunity to study Azerbaijan's rich musical heritage," Bokova said. She thanked the Azerbaijani president and Mehriban Aliyeva for always appreciating the UNESCO principles.

Touching upon the importance of the Qabala international music festival, the UNESCO general director said this festival was a reflection of Azerbaijan's music soul, adding that such activities were important to connecting hearts and minds. "Azerbaijan is a junction of different cultures, and this festival will represent them at the highest level," Irina Bokova said and highlighted Mehriban Aliyeva's contribution to the strengthening of the inter-cultural dialogue.

The ceremony was followed by a concert program. On that evening, true lovers of music enjoyed the performance of London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Pianist Boris Berezovskiy attended the festival as a guest. In the music world, he is known as the "New Richter". The festival was also attended by People's Artist of the USSR Yuriy Bashmet, a holder of many international awards, a professor and wonderful teacher who holds master classes in Japan, Europe, America and Hong Kong, Dmitriy Yablonskiy, Emilio Pons, Chloe Hanslip and Farhad Badalbayli. After the festival, the sky over Qabala was glowing with the bright  colours of gigantic fireworks. Qabala welcomed all guests and participants to enjoy a festival of cultural unity for 12 days…