Gabala to Host 2nd International “Winter Tale” Music Festival from February 5

Baku, The Gulf Observer: The 2nd International “Winter Tale” Music Festival is set to begin in Gabala on February 5, bringing four days of diverse musical performances to audiences at the Heydar Aliyev Congress Center.

The festival is organized by the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Baku Music Academy with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture, and Gilan. Traditionally held in the summer since 2009, the Gabala Music Festival has been organized in winter for the second consecutive year.

The program features a wide range of concerts catering to varied musical tastes, including vocal and chamber instrumental evenings, solo performances, flamenco-jazz, and themed nights such as “Azerbaijan–Spain” and “Baku–Naples,” adding vibrancy to the winter season.

The first day of the festival will honor the musical legacy of renowned composer Gara Garayev. People’s Artists Farhad Badalbeyli and Murad Adigozelzadeh, along with the Azerbaijan State String Quartet, will take the stage.

The grand opening ceremony will be held on February 6. The opening concert will feature the Symphony Orchestra of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, conducted by Honored Artist Eyyub Guliyev. The evening will include performances by Honored Artist Afag Abbasova (soprano), Aytac Shikhalizade (mezzo-soprano), Azer Zade (tenor), and Mahir Taghizade (baritone). The repertoire will consist of celebrated works by Giacomo Puccini, Gioachino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi, Franz Lehár, Musa Mirzayev, as well as other Azerbaijani and international composers.

Beyond its artistic dimension, the Gabala Festival is regarded as an important platform for intercultural dialogue. On February 7, a chamber music evening titled “Baku–Naples: Musical Bridge” will be held, symbolizing the friendship between Azerbaijan and Italy through performances of works by composers from both countries.

The “Winter Tale” International Music Festival will conclude on February 8 with a closing ceremony titled “Azerbaijan–Spain: Two Countries, One Music,” featuring flamenco-jazz performances by invited Spanish musicians and dancers.

For four days, Gabala will once again offer music lovers an unforgettable cultural experience, celebrating artistic diversity and international friendship.