Uzeyir Hajibeyov International Music Festival

The Uzeyir Hajibeyov International Music Festival is a 10-day celebration of music held each September across Azerbaijan, with main events in Baku. The festival brings together Azerbaijani and international musicians to honor the legacy of composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov through concerts and cultural events.

• Held every September since 2009
• Main ceremonies take place in Baku
• Lasts for 10 days across multiple venues
• Features musicians from Azerbaijan and abroad
• Focuses on Uzeyir Hajibeyov’s compositions

What it is

The Uzeyir Hajibeyov International Music Festival is Azerbaijan’s leading annual event dedicated to the country’s most celebrated composer, Uzeyir Hajibeyov. Each September, the festival transforms Baku and other cities into lively stages for classical and traditional music. It is a time when musicians, scholars, and music lovers gather to celebrate Hajibeyov’s enduring influence on Azerbaijani culture. The festival not only showcases performances of his works but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange, drawing artists from Azerbaijan and abroad.

Where it comes from

The roots of the festival trace back to 1995, when September 18, Uzeyir Hajibeyov’s birthday, was first marked as National Music Day in Azerbaijan. In 2009, the tradition expanded into an international festival, reflecting the composer’s significance in Azerbaijani music and beyond. The event was established to deepen appreciation for Hajibeyov’s creative legacy and to foster connections between Azerbaijani musicians and their international peers.

How it is celebrated

During the festival’s ten days, a rich program unfolds in Baku’s major cultural venues such as the National Art Museum, State Philharmonic Hall, Opera and Ballet Theatre, International Mugham Center, and others. Concerts feature performances of Hajibeyov’s compositions, ranging from orchestral pieces to opera and mugham. Musicians from other countries join Azerbaijani artists on stage, creating a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere. Alongside concerts, the festival hosts scientific conferences and discussions focused on Hajibeyov’s life and work, inviting both experts and the public to explore his musical heritage.

Joining in

Visitors can experience the heart of the festival in Baku, where the largest events take place in renowned venues. Attendees can expect a welcoming environment, with opportunities to enjoy world-class performances and learn about Azerbaijani music traditions. Events are also held in other regions, offering a chance to explore the country’s musical landscape. Whether you are a music enthusiast or a curious traveler, the festival provides a unique window into Azerbaijan’s cultural life.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Uzeyir Hajibeyov International Music Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Uzeyir Hajibeyov International Music Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
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• Wikidata recordOpen data

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