The works of the great composers of Lithuania and Azerbaijan resounded in Baku
On October 10, a solemn concert dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis and the 140th anniversary of the famous Azerbaijani national music creator and composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli took place at the Azerbaijan National Philharmonic Society.
The composers' works were performed by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Lithuanian conductor Vilmantas Kaliūnas. Under his baton, the Azerbaijani orchestra masterfully conveyed both Čiurlionis' mystical world of music inspired by nature and the cosmos, and Hadžibeili's melodies full of national colour and energy. During the concert, the audience also had the opportunity to hear the world premiere of a work by composer A. Mikoliūnas, performed on the cello by Esmer Kerimli.
"The music of Čiurlionis and Hadžibeili transcends borders; it connects mountains and seas, the shores of the Caspian and Baltic Seas, languages and histories, the past and the future. May this concert remind us that cultural exchange is not just about shared notes and rhythms. It is friendship, respect, and mutual understanding. I am delighted to see that cultural projects enrich and strengthen bilateral relations between our countries and ties between people," said Ambassador Kęstutis Vaškelevičius in his welcoming speech.
In his speech, Farhad Badalbeyli, rector of the Baku Academy of Music and People's Artist of Azerbaijan, emphasized the importance of cultural events that contribute to strengthening humanitarian ties between nations and enriching each other's musical traditions. "The works of Uzeir Hajibeyli and Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis laid the foundations for national music schools in Azerbaijan and Lithuania, significantly influencing the development of compositional thought and the formation of the cultural identity of their nations. Such concerts allow us to better understand the spiritual heritage of our two nations and serve as a bridge between cultures," said F. Badalbeili.
The concert became a highlight of cultural relations between Lithuania and Azerbaijan, reminding us that music is a universal language that connects nations, eras, and people.
The festive concert was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Azerbaijan in cooperation with the Azerbaijan National Philharmonic Society. This was the third concert in Azerbaijan this year organized by the Lithuanian Embassy in Baku to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great Lithuanian artist M.K. Čiurlionis.
