Silk Road Music Festival ends with classic concert
By Nigar Orujova
The shining Silk Road Music Festival ended in Shaki city with a grand performance on July 5.
The fifth International festival thrilled the city for the five days with a ballet based on the "Rast" symphonic Mugham of legendary Niyazi, a performance of Istanbul ensemble "Modern folk Muzic", an exhibition of the International Organization of Turkic Culture TURKSOY, and more other interesting performances.
The festival was a joint project by Azerbaijan's Composers Union and the executive authorities of Shaki. It was also supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Foundation supporting the national heritage of Azerbaijan.
The festival was attended by music ensembles, theater artists and dancing teams from India, China, Turkey, Russia, and Azerbaijan.
The festival program included performances of Indian group "Nrityarupa", Azerbaijan ensemble of ancient musical instruments, Baku Marionette Theatre, Chinese song and Dance Ensemble.
Art groups from India and China put on stage their theatrical performances of the national traditional arts, that included dances, singing, playing national instruments, choral music, as well as exotic national costumes and ancient rites.
A concert of the winners and participants of Eurovision song contest was also held on the final day of the festival adding new emotions, colors and rhythms to the cultural event.
Russia's well-known team - "Hermitage" Symphony Orchestra from St. Petersburg finalized this festivity of music by brightly performing classical works at Ashagi Karvansaray complex. This was the first show in Azerbaijani by the unique orchestra functioning under the world-known museum.
The Orchestra with Azerbaijani musicians presented Shaki audiences European, Russian as well as Azerbaijani classical music.
Shaki has been one of the major cities along the Silk Road for centuries. The city boasts of its great silk factory that produced silk products for over four centuries.