Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

The International Mugham Center in Baku hosted a charity concert on April 30.

Entitled "Autistic differs from us, one of us", the festive event was co-organized by public associations "Birgə və Sağlam" and "Lider Qadınlar", "Natig" rhythm group as well as Pasha Bank, Trend Life reported.

The event was timed to World Autism Awareness Day marked on April 2. Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.

Light It Up Blue, annually observed on April 2, is dedicated to raising awareness of autism. It is intended to raise international awareness of autism in support of both World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month in the United States.

Iconic landmarks around the globe as well as airports, bridges, museums, concert halls, restaurants, hospitals lit up in bright blue to mark the day.

The national anthem of Azerbaijan and Turkey sounded at the opening ceremony.

Then guests were shown a video featuring famous personalities with autism.

Ayten Zeynalova, Chairman of "Birgə and Sağlam" public association stressed the importance of informing the society and thanked the organizers of the event.

The concert program was opened by a choral performance of children with autism from Turkey`s orchestra IZOT. Further, the children from rehabilitation center "Birgə and Sağlam" performed together with the rhythm group "Natig" and honored artist of Azerbaijan Tunzala Aghayeva.

The artistic director of the concert was honored artist Natig Shirinov. The host of the evening was singer, songwriter and broadcaster Murad Arif.

Later, Tunzala Aghayeva and participants of the "Voice of Azerbaijan" contest sanged the hymn "Fərqliyəm" dedicated to children with autism. The music was written by Tunzala Agaeva. The author of the lyrics is Murad Arif.

The gala evening was greeted with a storm of applause.

Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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