(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) 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, Ph.D. 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.
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