Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

The Third International Festival of young performers of classical music among Islamic countries kicked off in Baku on April 24.

Organized by Azerbaijan's Kainat Youth Center, the event is supported by the country's Youth and Sport Ministry, Culture and Tourism Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and Baku Music Academy.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Head of the Kainat Youth Center Rahib Rasulzade said only young musicians under the age of 20 participate in the contest.

"Geography of the festival, which has already become a tradition, is growing year by year," he said. "If the first festival was attended by only five countries, this year this number has increased to 10. Indonesia and Iran joined the contest this year. The youngest performer is a member of Kyrgyzstan team. He is 7 years old."

Jury's Chairman is Vice Rector of Baku Music Academy, pianist and composer, honored actress Yegana Akhundova. The jury will consist of artists from Azerbaijan and foreign countries.

The festival includes an extensive cultural program.

Each performer can participate in the hearings only on the appointed day and time.

The event, which features piano solo, piano ensemble, organ, solo string instruments, string instruments and ensembles, and solo wind instruments, will run until April 26. Besides classical music, the works of Azerbaijani composers may be included in the festival's program.

The goals and objectives of the Third International Festival include: Finding out young talents, gaining international experiences and exchanging ideas, as well as identifying ways of creativity, creating a comprehensive idea about the Azerbaijani Culture and Art in youth and adults of foreign countries, improving the framework of East - West Dialogue of Young talents in music sphere.