BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. The grand opening of the 2nd Baku International Piano Festival, organized with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center, Trend reports.
The Baku International Piano Festival is not only the magical playing of piano and keyboard virtuosos. This is, first of all, a luxurious atmosphere that will inspire and enchant the most demanding music amateurs, and give vivid emotions.
It presents a wide range of musical genres - rock, classical, jazz, pop, flamenco, and even tango.
The magical spirit of the festival and its harmonious and unforgettable atmosphere of improvisation reflect the motto of the Baku Piano Festival - May Piano Inspire You!
Famous musicians from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Germany, Austria, Brazil, France, Spain, Latvia, Hungary, and Norway will present concert programs at various venues of the capital until June 29, not only showing high art but also contributing to the creation of a cultural bridge that unites representatives of different countries.
Speaking at the event, the Heydar Aliyev Center's representative Rena Mammadova noted that the Baku Piano Festival will be a great holiday for music amateurs.
"For many years, such international festivals as Baku Jazz Festival, Silk Road, Gabala Music Festival, Uzeyir Hajibayli Festival, Baku Days of Modern Music and other festivals have been successfully held in Azerbaijan," Mammadova said. "Following the traditions, the Heydar Aliyev Center develops and promotes not only national music but also world culture, directly participating in the implementation of projects."
Therefore, according to her, it's significant that the opening of the festival takes place at the Heydar Aliyev Center.
"The Second Baku International Piano Festival, which will be held with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, will be another bright event in the cultural life of the country and foreign guests," she added.
The founder and director of the festival, laureate of international competitions, virtuoso pianist, and Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Shahin Novrasli noted that the second festival will be remembered for its interesting concert programs.
According to him, the unity of music and the individual style of each performer are the highlights of the Baku Piano Festival, which can captivate any audience and leave unforgettable memories.
"It's a great honor for me to organize and hold the Baku Piano Festival. I would like to express special gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for supporting the festival, and also to our main sponsor PASHA Holding and other partners, thanks to which we'll present a great music festival," Novrasli said.
The world-famous Canadian pianist Helene Mercier noted the beauty of Baku, the Heydar Aliyev Center, and the hospitality and good nature of the Azerbaijanis, which made her the most favorable impressions.
"I really like the creative activity of Shahin Novrasli, who went through a great school of musical mastery, classical and jazz art," Mercier said. "For the first time, we'll perform with him in a duet, accompanied by an orchestra and jazz performers, showing the harmony of various styles of music. Unfortunately, after the concert, I will have to leave Baku, but I definitely hope for new meetings here".
Accompanied by the Azerbaijan State Symphony and Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestras, local pianists and other musicians, who are representatives of the talented young generation, will take part in the festival at the festival.
As part of the festival, a series of interactive master classes will also be organized for the public and Film Days will be held.
After the official part, a concert was presented. The concert program opened with a waltz from the great composer Gara Garayev's Seven Beauties ballet performed by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra named after Uzeyir Hajibayli under the baton of conductor, professor of the State Conservatory of Cukurova University (Türkiye) Valid Aga.
Then the audience was presented with the "Rhapsody in Blue" (Rhapsody in the blues style) work of the US classic, composer and pianist George Gershwin, performed by Novrasli and Mercier, and accompanied by an orchestra and jazz musicians, Honored Artist Ruslan Huseynov (bass guitar) and Elvin Bashirov (drums).
The amazing performance of the musicians ended with the "Reflection" composition of the outstanding pianist, founder of the jazz-mugham musical direction, composer, and honored artist Vagif Mustafazade.
The performances were accompanied by a standing ovation and at the end the audience greeted the artists standing, giving flowers and endless applause.
Last year, the 1st Baku Piano Festival was held on May 20-27.
